Minutes of Team Meeting 6

John blogs ...

1) Helpful conversation with Chris Fairhead – D1100 District Governor. Showed us the ‘Straw Into Gold’ book which he was given by the District 3220 DG during their conference in the US last year. An amazing project for one District to raise funds and project manage the building of 20 brand new schools! Chris also gave valuable feedback on our presentation which is becoming slicker but still needs some refining. Thanks Chris.


2) Ran through our revised presentations:
• John intro to District; then Emily, Claire, Jenny, Kath
• John takeover from Kath; thanks to District 3220

3) We had hoped to discuss the revised itinerary but didn’t receive it until the meeting had nearly ended. John has now circulated it. Looks great, needs a few adjustments for more individual vocational activities. (This is still being pursued. JM)

4) Discussed our kit list (as on one of our blog pages) and commented how long it seems to be getting. Emily agreed to take charge of our ‘team kitty’ whilst we’re in Sri Lanka

5) Discussion of transfers – all to arrive at 6.30pm at Terminal 4 to check in together. Flight details were distributed. Baggage allowance is up to 30 kg in one bag/suitcase but we’re mindful that we’ve a lot of moving between different accommodation so try and keep it down. However, also noted that with all our ‘gifts’ we’ll probably need all the weight allowance. Hand luggage up to 7kg in weight can include clothing in a suit-bag.

6) We discussed publicity for the local press. Thanks Claire for progressing this. All agreed we would write our own piece along the structure given to us and contact our local papers.

7) Thanks to Wiltshire cricket for tee-shirts, bags and drinking flasks, to Worcestershire Cricket for a signed team shirt, to Bristol City Council for information and colourful books about Bristol. We’ve 6 Club pennants from Thornbury, 4 from Bristol and 6 from Worcestershire. Jenny is trying to get some from Swindon Old Town, and hope their memories are improving! John gave everyone their team badges and all agreed they looked very special.

8) Team Tee-shirts were distributed amongst much excitement and trying them out. (John will have to try and get used to this). Receipts for team uniform were given to John to reclaim.

9) Agreed that the main form of public communication about our exchange is through the blog. A 'use of Facebook/Twitter' discussion followed and both Jenny and Claire are going to do some more work on this before we leave.

10) We’ve agreed to meet at 7.00pm on Friday with spouses/partners to go through the presentation (to a friendly and appreciative audience) followed by a meal in the restaurant by way of saying thanks to The Whitminster Inn for hosting our meetings.

11) Agreed date for our Post GSE meeting – March 8th for preparation/arrangements for District 1100 Conference including our GSE presentation.

Can't believe we're so close to going now!