Pop Your Conference Cherry!

A letter from a Conference Virgin... (TAKEN FROM CIRCLER ISSUE 16 - 2017)

Let me tell you a little about my history in Ladies Circle ...

I met the members of my lovely Circle, Tamworth, in October 2016 at a new member event! I managed to get to a couple of events over Christmas with them.

But what really made my decision for conference happened over a couple of days at the beginning of February...

On 2nd February we held an indulgence night in Tamworth. I was very privileged to meet Alex, our now Past President... as she stood and spoke to me about the reasons she circles and how important it is too her - a light-bulb turned on that I definitely wanted to be part of something!

The next night, I supported my Circle and Table with the Spirit of Tamworth awards - recognising local individuals and groups in our community.

The very next morning woke up and booked Conference!

Why? Because I wanted to see the bigger picture that Alex had explained to me and also hear about all the things Circlers have achieved!

Fifty-two days after booking conference I became an official member of my Circle! YES I booked conference before I joined Circle!

Just over 30 days later, my amazing Circle and I arrived at Stratford-upon-Avon for this year’s event. From walking into the lobby and seeing a mass of Circle and Round Table logos I felt safe!

From Friday at fancy dress to Sunday at check-out... I think every conversation started with the same opening! 'What Circle/Table are you from? How long have you been a member?' I said a month ... now I thought people would laugh and dismiss me but NO! I’ve been taught about international travel and home hosting, to ideas for fundraising, and learnt more about the structure of OUR family.

Fiona and team did an amazing job all weekend keeping us entertained ... but I wanted to quickly mention one part that I wasn’t sure I would enjoy. The AGM!

If partying isn’t you for then the AGM should still be a must on your calendars!

To hear about the achievements of Ladies Circle - from individual Circlers, Circles, Areas and even nationally... was inspiring!

To say goodbye and thank you to the amazing national team and welcome in the new one means now know the aims and motivations behind our new President and her team.

And VOTING! This made me feel like it was OUR organisation! That we are ALL shaping the future and together are making decisions to make Ladies Circle even more amazing!

Before went to Conference I had not met a Circler outside of my group, I knew nobody from Area and had only met Alex from National, at Conference spoke to other Circlers in varies roles and areas, Tangent members all bursting with energy to tell me there’s somewhere for me after Circle and lots of Tablers - who offered ideas and services to help me and my Circle grow...now I feel a part of that bigger picture! Inspired and ready for our new year!

As soon as I had the details I booked in for Conference next year, I knew I needed another weekend of fancy dress, pretty dresses (worn or observed) and amazing company... really hope to see a lot of you at Chester 2018.