From the Chair

Finding hope in a challenging time

What a year 2020 has been. As I write this we are coming to the end of our second national lockdown and I am looking towards 2021, a new year with renewed hope. This year, more than ever before, I have been overwhelmed by the dedication of the members of Council. They volunteer freely their time and expertise to serve on STAT Council for the benefit of all members. Covid 19 has presented more challengers than ever, for the health and safety of our members and those we teach, as well as our legal position regarding teaching. This year I would especially like to thank the members of Council, and of course Ilia in the office too. They have tirelessly worked for us, giving hundreds of hours (this is not an exaggeration) of their time. As the government’s frequent changes to the Covid legislation were issued they have not only liaised with our insurers, but read innumerable government documents, sifting through endless pages to distil the salient points and then communicating them to us, through readable and informative emails. At the forefront of their minds has been the well-being of STAT, its members and the Alexander Technique. So thank you all very, very much. This year has brought many challenges to each and every one of us. Loss of work, income, our livelihood. At times feeling bereft and despairing of how to continue with our practice. But out of these worries and fears I feel some hope and newness has arisen. Some teachers have explored remote teaching and found how successful this can be in helping a pupil learn constructive conscious control for themselves. Pupils have reported a real sense of achievement as they learn to apply the Alexander Technique in their “ As the government’s frequent changes to the legislation were issued [Council] have not only liased with our insurers, lives. Those in isolation due to health, and those who live in a remote location too far from a teacher to have face to face lessons, have managed to access lessons but read innumerable documents, sifting and feel the benefits of the Technique. As we have moved through the year Council has continued to work on its many and varied projects, through endless pages to distill the salient and will continue to do so next year. We are looking for new members, and we especially would welcome points... anyone with knowledge of accounting and/ or social media marketing. If you feel you would like to offer Editor’s note: Apologies to Belinda and some of your time and skills in either of these areas, readers of STATnews for an error in which an or to just send your thanks, please contact the office at earlier version of From the Chair previously info@stat.org.uk. appeared on this page.

STAT Council

Chair Belinda May Secretary David Harrowes Treasurer Mike Cribb Ordinary Council Members Antonella Cavallone, Roger Kidd, Esther Miltiadous, Andy Moorhouse, Rhiannon Jones and Jane Morris. Lay members Joe Abbott-Gribben

STAT Office Staff

General Manager Ilia Daoussi ilia@stat.org.uk Membership Officer & Welfare Officer Luke Chatterton luke@stat.org.uk

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