News from Enable
Enable celebrates its AGM - and its 21st birthday
The Enable Group's Annual General Meeting 2011 took place at The Winding Wheel on Thursday 22 September - and as usual our service users were at the heart of it. But this was no ordinary AGM. It celebrated the Group's 21st birthday with an inspiring talk by a visitor from our Gozo exchange partner, a Lady Gaga-themed presentation by a group of Enter-Trainers, and a memorable selection of birthday cakes!
Don Templeman presents Jackie King-Owen with a bouquet
The En-Deva group display their diplomas
The formal part of the afternoon began with a review of the year by Enable's Executive Director, Jackie King-Owen. In her review of 2010-11 she outlined recent developments at Enable, the initiatives in progress, and the challenges to come as we enter our 22nd year. In his response, Don Templeman, Chair of the Enable Housing Association, thanked staff and Board members for their tireless work for Enable, and Jackie for her leadership and continuing passionate commitment to its principles.
The formal business concluded with the approval of the accounts, the election of officers, and the replacement of retiring Board members.
The Enter-Trainers
There were a few tears next, when service users Kate, Paul, Terry, Lee, Philip, and Thomas stepped up to receive their diplomas for successfully completing the recent En-Deva course. This City & Guilds accredited course explored environmental and recycling issues in the community. Christopher, John, Sean, Sean and Jamie, who also completed it, were unable to attend the AGM.
Next came a Lady Gaga-inspired presentation by a group of service users who have recently completed the Enter-Train course. Alex, James and Kate, Kevin, Lisa and Matt, Sean, Terry, and Paul have all learnt to teach trainers about their experience of living with learning difficulties. With a series of thought-provoking facts and insights, they reminded us just what this involves.
Bryanna Saliba gives her talk
After the Enter-Trainers came Bryanna Saliba, who had travelled to Derbyshire from Gozo as part of the EDGE (Enable, Derbyshire Gozo Exchange) Project. Her entertaining and uplifting talk showed that life with cerebral palsy contains more than enough space for joy and ambition.
With laughter and applause still ringing around the room, it was the turn of the Chair to thank Jackie formally for her achievements over the year as The Enable Group's Executive Director.
After thanking all the colleagues who had made those achievements possible, Jackie drew the proceedings to a close. She then invited us to turn our attention to the birthday cakes. And we were more than happy to oblige!
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