The Fellowship Office Blog

What's the buzz?

2008-03-03T15:43:00.003Z

There's a certain kind of moped on the streets these days that sounds like an angry hornet, only much louder. You know the kind I mean? Generally piloted by teen boys with skin complaints serious enough to justify the apparent death wish that propels them, and always, for some reason, much louder at night. They're smelly, noisy and dangerous, and the machines they ride are even worse.
Pumping out sufficient fumes to make the geranium cough on its windowsill and a racket to drown out the passing 40-tonne trucks, these things are a blight on anybody's environment.
I hate to think I might be turning into a grumpy old man, and I'm sure the kids relish the freedom to annoy the adults as much as I used to, but sometimes the needs of gilded youth must be put to one side in favour of the interests of those of us upon whom the first blush may have started to fade.
London's beyond all traffic salvation of course - it's been here for 2000 years but they're still fixing up the roads and the building work isn't yet complete - but there's hope for the planned new 'eco-towns'. They have the opportunity to design in a tranquil pedestrian environment to keep man and motorbike a sensible distance from one another. Now if somebody will just invent a silent engine and an acne treatement that works, we can start setting the rest of the world to rights.

Glittering Prizes

2008-02-26T11:00:00.005Z

Before he fell asleep in a convenient patch of sunlight on top of the wall, Alley Cat had been complaining about his lack of recognition.
"I do more than my share of the grafting, Al", he muttered. "And what thanks do I get?"
I assumed that he was just being rhetorical, and chose to keep quiet about the nutritionally balanced, ethically sourced, plaque inhibiting, crunchy and delicious catfood he'd been eating at Fellowship Office Tea&Biscuit Fund expense for the last six months.
Evidently, he'd seen too much of the coverage given to the Academy Awards in the media, and now thought he deserved some glamour himself to reward his unspecified duties. I made him a shiny, rattling windchime from a couple of CDs that have been lying around on my desk for the last twelvemonth, knocked up a red carpet from an unused cardboard file, snapped a photo with my gimmicky mobile phone, and tickled his chin for a while.
It doesn't take much to make a difference, to make someone happy, by showing one's appreciation in a small way, does it?
Al

Down by the river

2008-02-14T16:01:00.002Z

I've escaped Fellowship Office this week, deserted the alley cat and snubbed the geranium. This is the week when the next issue of avanti is put together at the publishers' swish offices just behind London City Hall (the building that supposedly looks like a car's headlight) and I definitely feel that I'm mingling with the mighty.
I haven't spotted Ken or Boris yet but there's the undeniable whiff of power in the atmosphere around here (mixed with the cigarette smoke from tobacco exiles freezing in the chill riverside breezes). The whole 'More London' development (not the best of names really) is dotted with interesting modern sculptures, illuminated fountains and hardy plantlife, but it's the shopping and dining that's now centred on this once unlovely part of town that's the area's real attraction.
Once the weather improves I'll explore further and will get back to you: today's conditions are far too arctic to step outdoors unneccessarily.

While foghorns boom across the Thames...

2008-02-11T11:53:00.000Z

A wisp of fog descends over the nation's capital and that's it; everyone's late for work. Truth be told, it was pretty thick fog, and it was the first morning we've had of it in months but you'd think, in the twenty-first century of civilisation here, that people might have learned to cope.
I always like to call my folks on mornings this though - they live in sheltered housing with a bunch of their ageing peers, and I generally check everyone's OK for essential supplies when the weather turns peculiar or particularly horrible.
They're too proud and independent to let me become over-involved but I think they appreciate the gesture - and according to the alley cat here at Fellowship Office, I'm building up good karma points for the future.
If anyone out there sees this as an ill-disguised prompt to go out and check on an elderly neighbour, relative or friend, then my work here is done. Go on, reach out to someone today.
Al

Telly Tickets Anyone?

2008-02-04T16:43:00.000Z

Oh I do enjoy the Monday postbag; there's nearly always something interesting in it. This week's special item was from sro audiences: the tv audience company. As the more astute of you might have guessed by now, their daily bread and butter comes from putting together groups of people to attend the recording of programmes who'd be prepared to laugh or applaud when asked. This firm covers everything from Alan Titchmarsh to Graham Norton so they can be fairly certain that there's a show on their list to match everyone's tastes.
Heaven alone knows where they found my address but it reminded me of the few occasions when I've made the trek out to the studios. I always enjoyed the recordings immensely but found the trek back into town (and out again - the studios were invariably on the wrong side of London for me) a bit of a grind.
The recording sessions were however fascinating both technically and for the level of skill shown by presenters and behind-the-camera staff alike. sro audiences are of course just one of the many firms involved in this modern-day press-ganging, and they seem to concentrate on London and the South East but there must be similar outfits scattered across the UK doing more or less the same thing. It struck me that this kind of afternoon/evening out would perhaps be popular with those groups that have access to transport, and I thought I'd pass on their details. You can chat to them on 020 8684 3333 or check out the website at www.sroaudiences.com. Let me know how you get on, all the best
Al

What's another word for "volunteer"?

2008-01-23T13:43:00.000Z

No, don't worry; I'm not asking for your help with the crossword again. I've been thumbing through my thesaurus looking for a snappy term that suggests the joys and rewards associated with helping other people.
Anybody with experience of the days of National Service will have heard "never volunteer for anything" often enough to be put off by the whole idea; but most of us wouldn't hesitate if asked to "lend a hand" or "do our bit". Either we need a completely new word or we have to change people's minds about what volunteering means, particularly in a friendly organisation like ours.
I'd be very pleased to hear any of your tales of volunteering and how you became involved in the first place, and will make certain the best of them are printed in avanti. Drop me an email c/o info@csrf.org.uk and I'll be in touch.
Al

Digital Snowstorm

2008-01-21T10:31:00.000Z

The alley cat, office geranium and I were sharing a Monday morning cigarette earlier today (we all know the risks but the cat doesn't inhale, the geranium's exposed to traffic fumes 24 hours a day, and I'm too stupid to give up), and musing on the range, variety and sheer permanent availability of television, film and radio these days.
We've finally cleared the fog of "500 channels and nothing worth watching" and appear to be breaking away from the chore of remembering to set the video to record - online video players, "listen again" functions and downloadable radio shows mean that soon nobody will need ever miss a favourite programme again. Taking into account the audio/video streams that are available, live broadcast and archives, there's enough good quality entertainment to keep us inside and glued to the screen for the rest of our lives.
The cat, geranium and I were as one though - life's too short to watch all the good stuff, and no matter how high the definition on your telly, real life and the outside world are unbeatable. With a cough and a sigh from me, and a scratch under the chin from the alley cat, we adjourned back to work.
Philosophically yours
Al

Look And Learn

2008-01-11T12:00:00.000Z

I suppose it's another sign that I'm getting older (along with the receding hairline and joints that crackle like an energetic wood fire when I stand up), but I seem to be developing a bad case of nostalgia.
Apparently it's incurable.
I've been keeping the worst of the symptoms at bay with a regular delivery of LOOK AND LEARN - a classic children's magazine of the 60s - which is being reprinted for old duffers like me (see www.lookandlearn.com for all the details). It drops through the letterb0x once a fortnight and gives me a solid couple of hours of harmless pleasure full of wistful sighs, forgotten general knowledge, missed chunks of history and strange longings for toy cars, a cowboy hat and a pop-gun made of wood.
The more I read though, the more uncomfortable it makes me. These old magazines reflect a way of life and set of attitudes to the rest of the world that would be unthinkable today. The articles themselves concentrate almost exclusively on life in Britain, with an unhealthy devotion to past 'glories' such as empire building, fighting wars and forelock tugging to the aristocracy. Today's magazines for children, as devoured by my nieces and nephews, are by contrast wide-open windows to a world full of excitement, wonder and challenge. The old-style adoration of dead white men and their achievements has been replaced with a celebration of world culture, and an eager anticipation of a better future.
Both nostalgia and the belief in a brave new world have their place, I suppose. What do you think?
Al

Blogshare wanted

2008-01-09T15:06:00.000Z

It can be a lonely task this blogging business...not for me particularly, not with my geranium+alley cat support network...but I imagine a lot of people use their weblogs as semi-private diaries and as a way of making sense of the bewildering world around.
There's certainly something akin to the contemplative skills of meditation associated with putting one's thoughts into order for the web at large. I'm currently doing my best to dispel any melancholy thoughts with an aromatherapy candle (an unexpectedly pleasant gift) and by playing thirty year old vintage reggae as loud as my colleagues will allow. Not exactly the austere purity of a trappist enclave, but it works for me.
On other occasions, the white hot cloud of inspiration that generally surrounds my desk disappears and raw brutal reality sneaks up on me. When that happens, I turn to http://boingboing.net/; it's a multi-media blog of wonderful things found on the internet and a regular delight. Why not let me have details of any blogs you're involved with putting together? I'll flag them up to the rest of our readers. Sharing is all part of the fun.
Al

Looks as if everybody's back at work then...

2008-01-07T15:50:00.000Z

What a shock to the system it was this morning - it felt as if everyone in London had decided to make an early start and that everybody was trying to get onto my train. The roads were even more packed than usual, filled to near gridlock with delivery drivers, deluded commuters, dazed-looking students and cars loaded to the gunnels with children, book bags, tennis raquets and guitars. I'm certain it must be character-building or morally improving in some way but it means I get to my desk tenderised, overwarm and a little stressed. This can't be the best way to start the week, can it?
I'm inspired to push on regardless by the example of the office's pet geranium, which has soldiered on through the worst of 2007 and the chilly start of 2008, constantly in bloom and apparently flourishing on a diet of diesel fumes and unwanted attention from our local alley cat. If the geranium can stand it, then so can I!
Onwards and upwards,
Al

Happy New Year Everone!

2007-12-31T15:20:00.000Z

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish everyone here at the CSRF offices, and every member of the Fellowship, a very happy New Year. Let's make 2008 a year to remember for all the right reasons!

Back at the desk, full of good intentions...

2007-12-27T12:09:00.000Z

Greetings from South East London where the great return to office life is underway and a slow, creaking return to normality is evident.

These few days between Christmastime and the New Year celebrations can be a time for wistful reflection, and a period where the mind wanders naturally towards memories of absent pals and neglected friendships. Many of us who've managed to escape the madness of the post-Boxing Day sales for the relative tranquility of the office are mixing work with a slow trawl through our email contacts lists and address books. Some of us are actually sending Season's Greetings notes to people we should have spoken to ages ago. Typically, they're full of regret, apologies and promises to meet up as soon as the dust settles from welcoming in 2008,

Let's try, this year, to actually carry out what we say we'll do; let's make the effort and get involved again. Anybody interested in making new friends or tracing long-lost colleagues can take the first step by contacting the CSRF; there's a branch near you.

I'm new to weblogging, and have never been much of a diarist, so anything you can suggest to help me out would be very welcome. Equally, if there's anything I can do to help you contact your nearest CSRF branch, please just drop me a line.

Have a splendid New Year everyone, keep in touch!

Al Spicer
Editor: avanti

Merry Christmas Everybody!

2007-12-24T10:16:00.000Z

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thank you for all your support and interest in this blog - and in the CSRF as a whole.

We'll be looking at rejigging the blog in the new year, and hopefully have some more frequent updates - see you then!

Business bit: the office closes at lunchtime today, and will re-open 2 January at 8.30am.

Merry Christmas (again!),

Steve and everyone at Fellowship Office.

Where are those volunteers?

2007-10-31T09:15:00.000Z

Hello everyone,

It's me, Yvonne, Fellowship Office's not-so-new Volunteer Co-ordinator. You might be wondering what I've done those past six months I've been working with the Fellowship, and why I've not yet made any contributions to the blog. The answer is simple - I'm out of the office quite a bit travelling the country in search of volunteers! No seriously, I'm trying to work closely with groups who get in touch with me about a lack of volunteers, and as you can imagine, there are quite a few. I travelled to Cornwall about a week ago to meet representatives from the Branch as well as the Liskeard and the former Saltash Group to discuss ways of reviving Saltash and engaging members in the running of the group. I also helped the Blandford Forum Group with setting up an open day with a buffet, a great speaker and a raffle - it turned out to be an amazing day and people walked in from the streets to participate!

So if your group is looking for new members or a helping hand please give me a call on 020 8469 9190 or email yvonne.kutzer@csrf.org.uk. Or maybe you would like to volunteer but don't know whom to get in touch with? Just give me a quick call - I'd be happy to hear from you!

I'm off...

2007-09-28T15:01:00.000Z

Dear Readers,

So this is my final post.

I hope you have enjoyed reading my first attempt at blogging and continue to do so for the next blogger!

All the best,

Hannah.

Make us some money!

2007-09-26T09:33:00.000Z

Dear Readers,

If you are an avid fan of this blog, I'm sure you are longing to find out how you can help the CSRF in other ways.

One of those could be to do your online shopping.

That's right! If you spend your well earned money, we can reap the rewards. Pay a visit to our webshop, you will find a full list of participating stores, and the relative percentage value we will receive back.

Please click here to access the webshop.

Happy Shopping!

Hannah.

The Final Week

2007-09-24T15:47:00.000Z

Dear Readers,

Its my last week blogging now. Its been an interesting experience dabbling with new media.

I have been focusing a lot of my time on the launch for our 40th Anniversary. Its starting to take shape. It would be wonderful if there was an unlimited budget, but I have to restrain myself (and Jean!).

Steve is also producing the new Fellowship book, celebrating the last 40 years in print and photos. We will also have anniversary stationery, pens and badges. Pre-order forms will be sent out soon!

I have also been organising some training for the office on the Data Protection Act. The Act is very in depth and these days, it is even more important that our information is not available for all and sundry. This can have repercussions tho, as it means we no longer have access to the information regarding new retirees, and some are not even aware of the CSRF. If you know any recent or new retirees, please ensure you spread the word and help to maintain our membership.

Byeeee!

Hannah.

A bit of a bash

2007-09-21T16:22:00.000Z

'Ello 'ello.

So, its come around to Friday already. Earlier this week I attended a meeting at the venue for the 40th Anniversary Launch Party, on the 28th November. There will be drinks and nibbles, speechs and toasts, and plenty of time to admire and ponder the previous 40 years and look forward to the next stages.

The archives have been raided, so there is even photographic evidence through the decades! Courtesy of some hard working pixies at Fellowship Office, these have all been converted to digital images and we will be using them for a media collage.

I would love to invite everyone, but we are limited on space so if you would like to attend, please write a comment below, stating the reasons why you think you deserve it! (I'm still after those comments...)

Toodles!

Hannah.

I hope you are still out there

2007-09-20T16:17:00.000Z

Dear Readers, Fans of the Blog and those who have simply stumbled across it...

Please write some comments and tell me how I am doing! I would love to know you are still all out there, reading this blog.

I feel a little bit like I am writing to cyber-space, and would dearly love a response.

Thanks!

Hannah.

It's too soon for Christmas.

2007-09-19T15:09:00.000Z

Dear Readers,

Can you keep a secret?

I know, I know. Its only September now, but if I leave it much longer all the good places will be booked. Yes folks, this year, I am in charge of organising the Fellowship Office Christmas Bash.

I have been receiving leaflets for the past month, advertising last few spaces offers, but these are very expensive and aimed at the giant global corporate conglomerates, not our humble charity. I'm afraid I cannot say too much at this time as the Powers That Be want to keep in all under wraps - its going to be a surprise for the Fellowship Office as to where we are going - and you can never be sure who is reading this.

I've had some thoughts, so now I clearly need to test my ideas and sample the wares of any potential venues - is this a good idea? You can tell me, dear readers! Just post a comment below!
I might have to come up with some decoys though, and throw the others of the scent. It could be a cunning plan... Any thoughts as to what I could tell them?

Ciao My Friends,

Hannah.

Lifesaver in Training

2007-09-18T09:12:00.000Z

Dear Readers,

Yesterday I attended a first aid training course by St John's Ambulance in East London. I can now officially deal with any minor injuries and know the practice to follow in an emergency, recovering positions and perform CPS. The course I did was First Aid for Appointed Persons, which is specifically targeted at office staff. It is obviously not as thorough as the 4-day course, but should provide me with enough knowledge should I ever need it!

I will have to have a refresher course within 2 years to get up to speed with any changes or new recommendations. As Nicola was the first aider for the office before me, everyone has been very sensible and avoided all accidents since she left. I hope they won't start being foolhardy now!

Cheerio,

Hannah.

More About Me! Part 2

2007-09-13T15:30:00.000Z

Dear Reader,

I hope you're not getting bored yet!

So, I'd arrived back in to the UK...

Then I had less than 2 weeks to organise myself as I was moving to Ealing, West London to live in a house-share with some previous housemates from university. Luckily for me, they had put all the hard work in and found a fabulous 4 bedroom house a short walk from the tube. I managed to find a temp job working for a large distributor of well-known alcohol brands in Park Royal, which lead to an 8 month contract.

I was looking for a permanent job and found a comfy position in Sales and Human Resources at a greetings card manufacture, where I stayed for 2.5 years. Just before I started the job, I met my wonderful boyfriend, Stewart, and after nearly a year, I left the house in Ealing and moved into a flat in Chiswick with him.

We lived there for a year and a half, and decided to buy a place of our own. This was very exciting and we found a lovely 2 bedroom flat in a high rise, with balcony and wonderful views towards the City of London. Unfortunately it needed Work. Yes, with a capital W. We have now spend a few months scrubbing it up and with the addition of a new kitchen, re-plastered walls, and a lot of paint, we are almost set to move in! There are still some odds and ends that need to be completed and we are saving for a new bathroom. At least we have been able to put our own personal stamp on it. Its been hard work but it will all be worth it.

Anyway, as I am moving into my new flat tomorrow, so I shall not be able to grace you with any blogging news. I hope you will be able to cope for a few days without me!

Have a good weekend,

Tally-ho!

Hannah.

More About Me! Part 1

2007-09-12T09:10:00.000Z

Dear Fans of the Blog,

Who would like to know more about me? You do?! Ah, that's good.

I am already a quarter of a century old - for those who are not great at Maths, that's 25. I was born in Harare, Zimbabwe, but my parents left to come back to the UK when I was 4 so I have very little memory of it. I grew up in the pleasant seaside town of Clacton-on-Sea and whiled away many happy hours on the beach.

I left to go to university when I was 18, and succeeded in getting a place at Royal Holloway, University of London, to study BSc Psychology. I enjoyed the course, as well as the student life and made some excellent friends!

After university, I made a 6 month pit stop with a parents again to work hard and save even harder, before setting off on a grand adventure of Australia. I went by myself and met a very eclectic bunch of people. I spend 5 happy months (not working!) enjoying the backpacking lifestyle, before arriving with a bump back into the real world of cold, wet London with a shiver.

Tune in next time for More About Me! Part 2.

Ciao,

Hannah.

The Fellowship Holiday

2007-09-11T14:52:00.000Z

Dear All,

Do you know about our holiday? Well, I shall tell you anyway. Its a special holiday for the special anniversary year...

From the 7th-11th April 2008 the National Fellowship Holiday will be welcoming branches and groups from around the country to Sand Bay Holiday Village near Weston-Super-Mare.

The village has a vast array of facilities and entertainment and there will be a Ruby Anniversary evening on the 9th April - the Fellowship's official birthday which will include a gala dinner. It is likely that day excursions will be provided as well.

*Special Offer* For groups of 20 or more, there is a free place! So the 20th person goes at no cost. Try to rally some of your group together, or perhaps you can join forces with a neighbouring group to make the most of the special offer?

For any further information and prices, please contact Complete World Travel who operate the avanti Travel Service on 01789 261112.

Please comment below if you want to or are already going on the Fellowship Holiday, and have any ideas for possible excursions and entertainment.

Oh yes, and there will be some (if not all) of the Fellowship Office Staff present - so you can meet us in person then!

Cheerio,

Hannah.

Happy Mondays

2007-09-10T14:21:00.001Z

Dear All,

And so another week begins.

Did you have an enjoyable weekend? I spent a lot of time decorating my new flat in East London, which I hope to move into shortly. There seems to be much more work to do than I originally thought! (But isn't that often the way?).

I have spent some time today working on plans for the Launch Party of the CSRF's 40th Anniversary - next year 2008. The Launch is at the end of November, and we have been able to secure Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs as the venue. I am attending a meeting later in the month to get an appreciation of the space. I have also been getting some quotations for canapes and drink costs.

We will shortly be holding a random draw for our members to be invited to the Launch; we'd like as many of you to come as possible but I don't think there will be enough room for everyone! Perhaps you will be one of the lucky ones and receive an invitation to attend?

If you have any comments or ideas for the 40th Anniversary celebrations, please post them below!

Something slightly less exciting for today was to finish writing the minutes of our staff meeting held last week - but these things have to be done.

Toodle-Pip,

Hannah.

Apologies...

2007-09-05T11:20:00.000Z

... to any avid readers who may have thought the blog ceased to exist throughout July and August. We, at Fellowship Office, don't know where the time seems to go!

As I said in my previous post, I was organising the annual conference which we hold in August at the Royal Court Hotel in Coventry. This is a 2 day event with Branch Representatives coming in from all over the country, the Board of Management (post conference, now the Board of Directors) as well as all the Fellowship staff this year. Over the last 6 months, 4 members of staff have joined (myself included!), so it was a great opportunity to actually be out of the office and meeting Members with their own personal opinions and involvement. The conference provides an opportunity for Branches to make suggestions to the Board, as well as providing a larger social network and the chance for Branches to mingle and share ideas.

I have already started the initial planning for the conference in 2008! It's amazing how quickly it will come around again.

Bye for now,

Hannah.

Your host for this month is ... Hannah.

2007-09-03T14:40:00.000Z

Dear All,

Introductions first - my name is Hannah Spooner, and I am the Personal Secretary to Jean Cooper (Chief Executive) and Events Organiser. I have only been working at the Fellowship for a little over 2 months, and seemed to have picked up so much in that time!

I took over from Nicola, in the middle of conference planning so was thrown in the deep end a little - that was probably the best thing to happen as its really helped me to learn on the job.

Previously, I was working for a greeting card manufacturer so its a bit different to be employed in a charity environment now, but I'm thoroughly enjoying myself. The office is super, and the staff here are all really nice.

This is my first blog so I'm feeling quite aware of what to write next: I have to save some for next time!

'Til Anon,

Hannah.

Goodbye until the next time ...

2007-07-02T14:50:00.000Z

Can't believe that a whole month has now gone by and my first "blogging" session has come to an end but at least I'll get to do this again in a few months time.

All best wishes, Belinda

Telephone Lines now fixed ...

2007-06-20T08:22:00.000Z

so we're in touch with the world again!
It was all hands to the pump yesterday as we sent out the monthly distribution to our Branch and Group officers (over 800 people). Thanks to everyone in the office who got stuck in and helped stuff envelopes.

A quiet day for a Monday ....

2007-06-18T15:07:00.000Z

mainly because our phone lines are down at the moment. Quite frustrating as once you know you can't ring anybody you keep wanting to ring them!!! BT Engineer will be calling tomorrow morning so hopefully they will be up and running then.

Where does the time go?

2007-06-15T14:54:00.000Z

Can't believe it's the end of the week - blink and five days have gone past!!
I have spent this week updating the details of annual subscribers who have not renewed their subscriptions.
I also made a start of the north face of the pile of returned avanti magazines!! We need to update these as soon as possible and get the information to local branches and groups so that no further correspondence is sent.
Our Annual Conference is drawing ever closer and Donald Leggett (our database consultant) has been assisting us with the design of new reports to help streamline distribution of the papers. One was sent out today.
Well, have a good weekend all, will be back next week.

2007-06-08T14:27:00.000Z

Friday already and wouldn't you know it - the weather which has been fine all week in London has now deteriorated to very dull and wet just in time for the weekend!!

This week I’ve:

Sent out membership lists for 2 Branches and 24 Groups that have requested them.

Met with the CSRF database consultant to discuss the development of an online form for submission of amendments and printing membership lists for our Records Website.

Spent most of one day installing a network printer (one of those simple tasks that develop into a time consuming one!!)

Invited Intro members to take about a full subscription after their initial free year’s membership expires next month.

Collated names and addresses of our generous donors in order that an Annual Review can be sent to them.

Your June Blogger is .....

2007-06-05T15:11:00.000Z

Belinda Stalker. Very briefly, I’m the Office Manager/Head of IT. I have been with the Fellowship for just over 18 years having originally come here as temp for two weeks in December 1988 but liked it so much that I applied for a permanent post when one became available in January 1989. The rest as they say is history …………

My job has changed considerably in those years and my main area of responsibility now is Membership Records. Over the month I hope to give you an insight into all things Records!

My first London regional meeting

2007-05-23T08:25:00.000Z

Morning everyone!

Yesterday I went to my first London regional meeting and it was so extensive! However, it was really good for me because now I understand the purpose of the CSRF more and the problems some of the groups face on a daily basis with recruiting new volunteers etc. The meeting also highlighted my role as a communications support officer to provide more support for groups. Anyway im off to the pre - retirement course this afternoon so will catch up soon.

Sade

Its been two weeks since I started working for the CSRF

2007-05-18T15:12:00.001Z

Hi everyone, its been two weeks - its gone so fast! and theres still more to learn. However, it has been great fun so far and I'm really enjoying my post. I've been making a few MINOR errors (we all make mistakes!) but i'll rather get it out of my system now rather than later. And of course its Friday!!! so im really going to enjoy myself this weekend (going rollerdisco!! - loads of fun!!). Anyway, dont know what else to say (my blogs are getting shorter and shorter - a long one next time I promise) Hope everyone has a good weekend like me! :)

Sade

Its been two weeks since I started working for the CSRF

2007-05-18T15:12:00.000Z

Hi everyone, its been two weeks since - its gone so fast! and theres still more to learn. However, it has been great fun so far and I'm really enjoying my post. I've been making a few MINOR errors (we all make mistakes!) but i'll rather get it out of my system now rather than later. And of course its Friday!!! so im really going to enjoy myself this weekend (going rollerdisco!! - loads of fun!!). Anyway, dont know what else to say (my blogs are getting shorter and shorter - a long one next time I promise) Hope everyone has a good weekend like me! :)

Sade

Its my birthday!!

2007-05-11T14:16:00.000Z

Hi everyone, what a week its been for me. Ive been so run down with fever, cold and a horrible cough. However, I've managed to turn up to work the whole week (commitment!). Most importantly, its my birthday tomorrow and I've been eating cakes and biscuits all afternoon. In relation to work, I've really enjoyed the first two weeks at csrf and I met my boss today and she is really lovely and warm. Anyway, don't know what to say apart from I'm really happy working here. Until next time, take care

Sade

Day 3

2007-05-03T15:20:00.000Z

In the first blog I wrote 2 days ago I forgot to introduce myself properly so here you go: My name is Sade Banjoko and I'm the new communications support officer for the CSRF. I'm graduating this year (whoohoo!) hopefully with a 2.1 after studying so hard for my Sociology (Bsc) degree. This is my first proper job and its really exciting. I would describe myself as funny, sociable, attentive, bright, caring, and honest (sometimes too honest). However, I'm finding it hard to adjust to the world of work especially waking up soooooooo early but my body should get used to it soon enough. I cant believe I've learnt so much in only three day about the CSRF. Anyway, I want to keep these messages short and sweet, so in the next 3 days or so I'll be posting another blog. But for now, take care everyone.

Sade

My first day

2007-05-01T14:27:00.000Z

OMG! (Oh My God) I cant believe I was late for my first ever JOB! I woke up at 6:30am and I still managed to be late for work. I'M SO SORRY. I'm usually early for everything (especially dinner.lol!) But despite that I'm having a good first day at work and everybody here is so friendly and supportive, especially Steve (we get along so well!). Can't wait to start work on the avanti Autumn magazine (its going to be stressful) but its such a learning curve for me and I should really enjoy it. Anyway, don't want to go on and on so bye for now everyone.

Sade :)

Last Day!

2007-04-30T09:53:00.000Z

Morning everyone!

This is my last day blogging for the month! If you read my posts you will understand that it has been very hectic due to storage of staff and various regional meetings but tomorrow we will have a new member of the communications team Sade Banjoko so we will be giving her a warm welcome!

Well it has been an experience blogging because I have never done this before, but you learn something new everyday/every month or every year! (I was going on a bit there)

Bye for now!

Busy and Quiet!

2007-04-24T07:41:00.000Z

Well today there is only three of us in the office, and we have a lot of work to do between us. As well as dealing with everyday inquires and requests, but we will pull together and get it all done in time- that's what team work is all about!!

Tired

2007-04-20T07:56:00.000Z

I am very tired this morning, I had an evening class last night and it was a lot to take in, and i finished the end of month accounts yesterday so i have been a busy bunny! now i will be setting new task for the next couple of weeks before the next end of month accounts is due!

Quiet!

2007-04-17T13:27:00.000Z

It is very quite in the office today, Jean is at York and Newcastle regional meetings this week and Richard is at a seminar today, I will have to leave soon to go to my evening class, but the day is nearly over anyway.

I have busy paying bills this month they all seem to be coming in at once! and still trying to finalise the accounts, nearly finished with the month end accounts so that will be one big job off my list and a whole load of small ones to come after- that's work for you i suppose.

Friday!!!!!

2007-04-13T08:32:00.000Z

Its fr-fr- friday everyone!

It should be nice weekend, I will probably go to the park to do some revision.The Annual Accounts are now in the last stages of finalisation by our Auditors so I will be busy trying to get them sorted and printed as I explained eariler in the month.

Dentist

2007-04-12T10:00:00.000Z

I had a dentist appointment yesterday and was in a lot of pain, arrived back today a bit soar!
Busy again today finishing off the day to day accounts and trying to proof read the annual report, and also thinking of ideas for the estimates distribution to make it less stressful.
The office is quite today Jean, Richard and Nicky are at the Board of Management meeting so there is 4 of us left.

Happy Easter!

2007-04-10T07:41:00.000Z

Morning,

Hope everyone had a good Easter. Mine was busy due to me having to revise for my exams in June so it wasn't really a Holiday as such, but it was nice.

Everyone in the office is getting back into the working mode (it feels like a Monday not a Tuesday!)

Last week Thursday Richard, our Treasurer Sandra and I went to see the Investment Manager in Bank before the Board of Management Meeting this week, it went well but investments is a whole new area for me but interesting.
Today will be busy for me, I have to catch up with the work from Thursday and try to finish the Monthly Accounts as well as look over the proofs and check the layout for our Annual Accounts. This year the Annual Accounts will be produced similarly to the Annual Review, so keep a look out for them soon!

Your host this month.......Claudette

2007-04-03T09:53:00.000Z

Hello my name is Claudette Miller I am the Accountant for the Fellowship, I deal with the payment of bills, transfer of Branch Imprest accounts, prepare the financial reports for the Board of Management and assist the Deputy Chief Executive with the preparation of the Annual Accounts. I also give financial advice to Branch and Group Treasurers when possible.

My role is gradually increasing with more responsibilities as I become more confident and gain more experience.

I am currently studying for my ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) exams in the evenings form 6 pm - 8.45 pm twice a week - very exhausting from a days work!

So I hope you will be able to follow me in my month of blogging and have an insight to what I do!!!

The last post from me!

2007-03-30T15:00:00.000Z

Well this is the last post from me, another member of Fellowship Office staff will be posting for the month of April.

It's Lizzie's last day today, we'd like to wish her all the best in her new role at the Kings Fund.
Good luck Lizzie!!

The penultimate post

2007-03-29T15:21:00.000Z

Today I've been busy doing further analysis of the wish list for Jean, I should have it completed by tomorrow morning.

I've confirmed venues for the Birmingham and Coventry Regional Meetings which is really good, the invitations have gone out first class post today.
If you know a volunteer that would like to attend one of the Regional Meetings please ask them to contact me on 020 8469 9192, I would be happy to hear from them!

We have got a staff meeting tomorrow afternoon and it will also be Lizzie's last day with the Fellowship.

Bits and Pieces

2007-03-27T15:16:00.000Z

For most of the day I have been doing odd bits and pieces like certificates of merit, wish list analysis and finding venues for the Regional meetings. I hope to be able to confirm venues for meetings in May soon and will then be able to send out the invitations

Interviews for the Communications Support Officer position are being held tomorrow.

It will be quiet in the office tomorrow as Jean, Richard and Claudette will be out at the Finance Committee meeting

Start of a new week

2007-03-26T15:36:00.000Z

Its the start of a new week, and also Lizzie's last week with the Fellowship, before she goes to the King's Fund.

The notes of the Cambridge and Chelmsford meetings have been sent to Bert Dawson for approval, once they are approved I will be sending them out to the Branch and Group Officers within Region 6.

Had a funny afternoon Steve and I had to move 2 of the shelves in the post room to accommodate the new photocopier, the first shelf was fine but the second shelf was a bit trickier! the wall narrows slightly but we got there in the end!!

Its Friday!

2007-03-23T15:56:00.000Z

Its been a busy week, i've now replied to all the wish list responses that we have received. The deadline has now passed so its now over to the Board of Management to consider when they meet in April. Hopefully some of the wishes will come true!

Jean has informed me that the Glasgow Regional meeting, which took place yesterday went well and they have decided to meet again in September/October time. The next meetings aren't until mid April in York and Newcastle.

We put a note in the March Bulletin about joining forces with the NHS Retirement Fellowship, we've had a few requests in from our Branch and Group officers for details of their local NHSRF Branches, anyone who would like to contact their local Branch should contact Sherry Smith on 01305 361317 or email: sherry.smith@dorset-pct.nhs.uk

Wish List

2007-03-21T16:22:00.000Z

The deadline has now passed for the wish list responses, we have received around 35-40 responses, we will now be busy preparing them for the Board of Management to consider at their meeting in April, so fingers crossed!

The Guest letters for this years Council are going to posted out tomorrow, i'll be contacting the Royal Court Hotel to make sure everything is ok their end.

Jean has travelled to Glasgow this afternoon for the Glasgow Regional Meeting, i'll be busy booking venues for the Regional Meeetings in May and June now!

Council 2007

2007-03-20T15:58:00.000Z

So far we have received 18 Branch Representative forms for Council in August, which is good, the deadline is not until 30th April so there is still time to get your form in to take part this year

I've been preparing the invitation letters for guests today so they should be ready to post out tomorrow

We've had a lot of wish list responses back now, which is very good. These will be considered at the next Board of Management meeting in April.

Busy day!

2007-03-19T16:12:00.000Z

Today has been a busy day, i've almost finished the notes for the Cambridge and Chelmsford meetings, just need to put the finishing touches to them!

The assessment forms from Brighton, Cambridge and Chelmsford have been analysed and the general concensus is that they found the meetings wothwhile and would like them to continue.

The Glasgow meeting is due to be held on Thursday this week, Jean Cooper (Chief Executive) and Peter Bryant (Facilitator and Board member) will be travelling to Glasgow on Wednesday ready for the meeting the following day, this will their second meeting. Hopefully all will go well!

Cambridge and Chelmsford

2007-03-15T16:31:00.000Z

Over the last two days Richard and I have been to Cambridge and Chelmsford attending Regional Meetings. They both went very well and everyone thought they were a good idea and that they should continue. The dates of the next meetings will be in September/October time but a specific date has yet to be set.

I have almost completed the notes from both of the meetings and will have the assessment forms to analysise tomorrow!

Ready for regional meetings...

2007-03-12T16:32:00.000Z

Well everything is ready and raring to go for the Regional Meetings over the next two days, Richard and I will be attending on behalf of Fellowship Office. These will be the first two regional meetings for Eastern England and East Anglia which is Region 6.

I have been busy today organising various things for Jean as unfortunately she fell and has badly torn her anterior ligament and has to rest it

Another venue has been confirmed for the regional meetings today, so its all coming along nicely!

Another busy day..

2007-03-09T16:21:00.000Z

Its been another busy day in the office, I have been preparing papers for the Cambridge and Chelmsford meetings on Tuesday and Wedneday next week, which I will be attending with Jean

I've just managed to confirm two more venues for the Regional Meetings which is good, I will be able to send out the invitations on Monday, we are all booked up to the end of April now, so I can move onto the May Regional Meetings.

Good news! The Brighton and Portsmouth Regional Meetings were successful, we have had very good feedback from the attendees!

Middle of the week.....

2007-03-07T15:39:00.000Z

Its the middle of the week already, time seems to go so fast!

This week has been a busy week, I've been spending a lot of time preparing papers for the Regional Meetings and making up welcome packs for attendees.

The Portsmouth Regional Meeting was held today, so hopefully it was a success. We have compiled assessment forms that are handed out towards the end of the meetings to be filled in and handed back, so I will be busy completing the analysis over the next few days for the Brighton & Portsmouth meetings, it is a good opportunity to get any feedback, comments and suggestions for the meetings.

Regional Meetings Galore

2007-03-06T16:08:00.000Z

Well it is the day of the Brighton Regional Meeting and all was successful! The Portsmouth Regional Meeting is going ahead tomorrow and hopefully will be as successful as their last meeting in November.

I've been busy today getting welcome packs ready for Cambridge and Chelmsford next week and confirming details of venues for the other areas.

We've had some requests in for Certificates of Merit, as it the time of year for Branch and Group AGM's. So if you think one of your Branch/Group officers deserves a Certificate of Merit please get in contact with me on 020 8469 9192, I'd be happy to hear from you!

Your host this month is ..... Nicola

2007-03-06T08:30:00.000Z

My name is Nicola Currie, Personal Secretary to Chief Executive and Events Organiser. I work closely with Jean Cooper, providing secretarial support, I also arrange the Regional Meetings, Annual Conference in Coventry and am the Project Manager for the 40^th Anniversary celebrations which will begin in 2008.

This should be an exciting and busy month ahead as there will be 5 Regional Meetings this month starting in Brighton on 6 March through to Glasgow on 22 March.

The Last Post

2007-02-28T16:26:00.000Z

...from me, anyway, for the time being. From tomorrow you'll be hearing all about Nicola's work.

So, our campaign has finally launched. We have the videos up on our own site as well as YouTube and we're in the process of emailing all and sundry to help us spread the word of the campaign - which will hopefully put us in contact with lots of new volunteers. Obviously, the more people who see the campaign, the more potential volunteers we'll encounter - so please help us spread the word and tell your friends to go to our campaigns page or our YouTube page. Even if they are not a potential volunteer, still let them know, as they may pass the link on to someone who is.

The campaign also features print and web advertising - so keep your eye out for those!

But, despite all the hard work we've put into this, the real hard work is yet to come. We'll need to try and get some momentum behind the campaign, get as much coverage as possible, and then keep our new "recruits" engaged, interested and enthusiastic about the CSRF and give them all the help we can to make a real difference to our beneficiaries lives. A big job. But a vital one.

Anyway, I hope you've enjoyed my ramblings over the past month. I'm sure I'll pop up on here again at some point in the future!

Boredom Breeds Mischief

2007-02-27T16:47:00.001Z

Here is one of the videos that make up our brand new volunteer recruitment campaign - "Boredom Breeds Mischief".
To find out more visit www.csrf.org.uk/campaigns or come back here tomorrow for an update!

A quick one!

2007-02-26T16:32:00.000Z

The office was redecorated over the weekend, so we're slowly but surely getting back to normal...although plugging our PCs in brought on a few gremlins, now pretty much sorted, which is good!

Our short campaign clips should be up on our website in the next day or so, which is great news and will mean a busy few days spreading the word! They have been ever-so-slightly re-editted and the voiceover has been altered - hopefully the tweaks will make all the difference. We'll soon see...

A morning out-of-office

2007-02-22T16:33:00.000Z

Today I visited a recording studio up in Soho to hear the voiceover for our short clips being recorded. Very impressive surroundings - a bit different from what I'm used to! A fascinating morning and I think it will really add to the clips and finishes them off nicely. The voiceover man was a proper West End actor. It made a nice change from the more mundane jobs. Yesterday I was sticking labels on envelopes, today I'm mixing with famous people in recording studios! I do like a bit of variety in my job...

Third Sector

2007-02-21T16:30:00.000Z

Today's Third Sector has an interesting article by Julia Neuberger, praising Cancer Research's great work, but also commenting on the difficulties of charities working for less popular causes when it comes to publicity campaigns. Her point on older people is obviously a relevant one for us:

"I think we have done them no favours by frequently portraying them as frail when so many of them are feisty and tough as old boots."

Hopefully our new campaign will address this somewhat. A conscious decision was made to move away from the images of frail and dependent older people, stuck indoors and in ill health. The older people in our campaign are active in body and mind, full of fun and clearly still feel they have a life to live. This is why our work is so important, to give them an outlet, another social setting, now they are retired. The campaign takes a tongue-in-cheek stance on it, suggesting they are up to all sorts of mischief without the CSRF, but hopefully the message that our beneficiaries can be active and can benefit from our social groups across the country will come across.

There are so many stories to tell about our beneficiaries and older people in general - not just the stereotype of the frail. Hopefully we can tell a few of those stories, and help make older people a more popular cause we can all relate to a little better.

Words and Pictures and Stickers

2007-02-20T16:28:00.000Z

I have been working today on a couple of articles that will support our campaign, to be featured on the Public Servant Lifestyle website. With any luck our coverage on there will help our campaign, considering our target audience is likely to frequent that site, and hopefully get us some volunteers/supporters, or if nothing else a greater awareness of our work. I really can't wait to roll out the campaign now and as much as it can be quite hard going at times I love writing about our work, it's pretty satisfying having a creative outlet here and there.

I talked today to one of our long-serving supporters today. As well as taking part in CSRF activities he is also a member of a film club and recently a surprise "This Is Your Life"-type film was made of his life - which is in the post to us to have a look at. I can't wait to see it, it sounds like he has lived a pretty varied life, and he suggested we might be able to crib some of it for our anniversary book (which if we get enough contributions will be produced later this year to celebrate our 40th anniversary in 2008). It's generally really good talking to our volunteers and beneficiaries - we see who we are working for, and they see Fellowship/Head Office are human too!

Have also been sticking address labels on envelopes - it's not all fun here!

The campaign is...

2007-02-19T16:37:00.000Z

...not quite ready yet. It is frustrating, but ourselves and the ad agency who are helping with it obviously want it perfect - so we can get the maximum impact. From what I have seen of it, it already looks really good and just needs a few tweaks here and there.

By the sounds of things the end of the week (or early next at the very latest) now looks to be when we will roll it out. As we haven't sent much out about it yet it doesn't really matter in the broader scheme of things - the press releases are good to go once the campaign is ready.

Considering the short notice (we didn't really sort it out with the agency until December-time) it is still a really, really quick turnaround and will look very professional and be quite different from what has been tried before.

As I have to keep on saying - watch this space! Any guesses readers what it might be? Why not comment below? I'd love to hear from you.

Not your usual quiet Friday afternoon

2007-02-16T16:16:00.000Z

Action stations here at Fellowship Office. The photocopier has been dismantled and removed, and now the decorators have arrived.

Also, our campaign has encountered a slight delay which is dissapointing as Lizzie and I are so excited about it - but hopefully it will be ready to be unveiled Monday or Tuesday. I'll be sure to report on it here - we are really optimistic about it.

From photocopiers to volunteers

2007-02-15T16:29:00.000Z

Much of the office is now cleared for decorating - and we are also ready for a new photocopier. Unfortunately there has been a delay, I guess these things never run completely smoothly!

All hands to the pump at the moment ensuring our mailing data is up to date (with new members who have taken advantage of our free year's membership) before we send it over for the next issue of our magazine, avanti. It's quite a job, but it will be great to have a larger distribution. Our magazine is a big benefit for our subscribing members and most of them seem to like it - so hopefully it will encourage our new members to stay on board and encourage them to make the most of what we offer and perhaps get involved.

Read an email from one of our volunteers explaining how their local group that meets each month is thriving, and the importance of a good social programme to get people to come along. It is obviously hard for our volunteers who organise meetings/events to appeal to everyone, and so we have to support them as much as we can - and get them to swap ideas amongst themselves. We're having regional meetings this year where our volunteers can do just that - I really hope it works as our groups are our lifeblood. Without them, nothing.

Spring Cleaning

2007-02-14T10:33:00.000Z

Hectic in the office today as half the office is in the process of being cleared out in preparation for it being redecorated. Boxes everywhere! The age of the paperless office seems very far away - and I guess will stay that way here until more of our members embrace the internet and email.

I have been inspired to tidy my own desk - which should remain clean and tidy for all of two hours, I imagine!

I don't like Mondays

2007-02-12T16:38:00.000Z

Ah, the glamorous life of the voluntary sector employee. Today I have been working on reformatting photos, essentially resaving them as smaller files (as they were huge). Not the most exciting of tasks - but probably well suited to a wet and grey Monday. I've had a couple of nice calls from beneficiaries though, so it hasn't been all bad.

The weather outside was frightful

2007-02-09T16:13:00.000Z

Well, all of us here at Fellowship Office survived the snow and we're thawing out nicely now.
Quite a "bitty" day today, lots of little jobs to do. Our designer sent through his proposals for the logo for our 40th anniversary celebrations next year. With a few tweaks it is well on its way to be ready, not sure when it will be unveiled. We will be keeping our standard graphic on all our communications though, with the 40th logo alongside...the standard graphic is still quite new and we still need to work on making it recognisable to the outside world, so we can't afford to drop it for a year. Just think how closely linked some charities (and most companies) are to their logo/branding. Until I got into this job I didn't realise how important brands can be - but obviously there then needs to be the content and substance to back them up. But they are great 'shorthand'.
Read the blogging special in today's PR Week. It says on several occasions how important it is for blogs to not just be 'press releases' but to be a 'human voice' for an organisation. So, how am I doing? Any comments gratefully received - good or bad!

Getting in with the Civil Service

2007-02-07T16:27:00.000Z

Preparations for our recruitment campaign continue. We looking to attract interest from Civil Service journals/magazines as well as their intranet (internal internet) sites - as this seems to be a good way of getting to our future volunteers and beneficiaries. Many people retire from the Civil Service with no idea about what we do, or the volunteering opportunities we offer. Hopefully the campaign will help us overcome this problem, to some extent.

Talking to the editors/website-y people it seems quite a few are interested in giving us coverage, which is great, but sadly very few are able to commit to our launch event - so we won't be able to 'sell' the campaign to them face-to-face.

Even so, we're optimistic that the campaign will get the coverage it needs to be a success. Already one journal editor is running a piece on the campaign and has been a great help finding room for us at the last minute. As I said yesterday, you'll have to watch this space (and our website) to find out what it is all about - it will be very different from what you'd expect, I think, and is good fun.

Also spent today finalising our internal newsletter/bulletin, which should be going out soon and started discussions with Lizzie, our Head of Communications, about producing our next Annual Review. We have some fantastic pictures to work with - now we have to work on finding those great stories to tell from our volunteers across the country...

Another busy day!

2007-02-06T16:30:00.000Z

Glad to be nearing the end of the day - it has been another busy one. Finishing off the proofing of our magazine, collating the internal newsletter that goes out to our volunteers (the "Bulletin") as well as lots of telephoning around trying to raise interest in our new campaign.

Our new campaign is an attempt to try and recruit new, and younger volunteers, something we desperately need...and hear is the case all the time from our current volunteer base. We are going for quite a different angle which should hopefully work and get the CSRF some attention - watch this space!

A busy day proofing

2007-02-05T16:10:00.000Z

At the moment we are deep in the process of producing our national magazine avanti. Much of the hard work is done by our publishers, along with the designer and editor they have employed for the task, but there is still plenty to do at this end. My job is to be the main point of contact between Fellowship Office and the publishing/editing/designing team. This means getting a lot of information over to them and then proofing the magazine when they have put it all together.

Today I have been working through our news section and the "planner", a listing of our local groups' activities across the UK. It is great that the planner is now 12 pages long, so has a lot more detail about what our people are up to, but this means more work for me, so my eyes hurt from checking the text for errors!

Still, it will be worth it in the end - I think this is going to be another good issue. And hopefully having more detail about our members will encourage other readers of our magazine to get involved.

Your host this month is...Steve

2007-02-01T16:33:00.000Z

We had our monthly staff meeting this afternoon where we catch up on all we've been up to over the past month, and what we have planned for the month ahead.

I used the opportunity to unveil this new blog and it seems everyone is quite positive about it - we shall have to see how it goes!

Anyway, it's been decided that to start off with each staff member will blog for a month - that should give all you readers an idea of what goes on in the different departments here, member by member. If it proves popular, we may start all contributing here at once.

So, I'm February's blogger. I'm Steve Keene, the CSRF Communications Officer. Myself and Lizzie (our Head of Communications) make up the "Communications Department". As you might gather - our departments are very small!

We're up to plenty of exciting things this month, so hopefully there will be a few things worth reading on here. Let me know what you think - you can leave comments below...

Staff meeting

2007-02-01T14:43:00.000Z

We're sitting here being shown how to use our new blog!

This is just a test!

Welcome to our blog!

2007-02-01T13:52:00.000Z

Welcome to the new Fellowship Office blog – a blog from the staff of the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship.

For those of you new to the world of blogs they started as online diaries, and many still resemble that form, but have become spaces for anyone to share their thoughts, ideas and experiences with the rest of the world.

I think this is a great opportunity to give an insight into our particular charity – the work that goes on both here at our Head Office (“Fellowship Office”) and amongst our many volunteers dotted around the UK.

We currently have over 400 local groups across the UK, each providing social meetings for retired civil servants in the area, and many also providing a visiting service to those who cannot get out and about. Each and every one of these groups are run entirely by volunteers, with only a small staff of 8 here in Fellowship Office (plus a member of staff in Northern Ireland) for support. We are certainly kept busy, with potentially 500,000 beneficiaries to provide social assistance to.

Hopefully this blog will help illustrate our work and get across the human stories to be found in our charity. I also hope it encourages some of our volunteers and beneficiaries to start blogging themselves – we would love to hear their stories and think that blogs are a great platform for those stories to be told.

Enjoy reading!