| President Gill Preston's Page |
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 On Saturday, the day finally arrived when I took on the honour of becoming Tangent National President and what an honour it is. Thank you to everyone for their good wishes before, during and after the National AGM. If you were there you will know how good it was, if not then think about joining us next year for the AGM in Ipswich.
Below is my address from the AGM and I hope to keep you up to date through regular reports on our website and through my President's journal.
12 months ago I talked about my Tangent life, a life that has been enriched by the experiences of the last year. I've certainly talked to many Tangent members and in listening to their views will hopefully bring to the year ahead some of what I have heard and experienced for the good of the Association.
This year we celebrate Tangent's 40 th charter , 40 years of continued friendship. If you are unable to join us for the luncheon in Nottingham, there is no reason why we can't all celebrate this special occasion. I ask all Tangent clubs to celebrate our 40th charter at their September meeting by uniting in “Friendship and Fun ”.
Membership will always be a concern and there is an opportunity, through these events in September, to address membership issues by encouraging all of your members to join you; contacting those you rarely see; extending the hand of friendship to those eligible to become Tangent members but haven't and to your Ladies Circle club - our future members. This is important for our association to continue long into the future.
As part of the 40 th celebration the National Executive are providing for each Tangent club a Candle of Friendship which we ask is lit during your September meeting, remembering friends past and present. If you are a voting delegate, you will have collected the candle along with the voting delegate packs.
Tangent News and the Tangent Website are our means of communicating with each other. They are both ways for the Executive to share their news with you, and “Tangent News” is a way for clubs to share their news, ideas and thoughts. If you can't wait to read the new copy of “Tangent News”, download a copy of the magazine from the website, www.tangentclubs.org and at the same time browse the website where we have more space to display photographs and keep you up to date between magazines.
It is important that we also communicate with the other members of the Round Table family , working together for the good of us all. I welcome the news that Ladies Circle have increased their membership during this last year. I look forward to having the opportunity of working and standing alongside the other 3 National Presidents at every opportunity throughout the year.
My charity this year is Young Carers , part of the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, created in 1991. It is a relatively small charity and so our contribution will be invaluable. There are around 175,000 young carers of which 25.000 are helped by the trust. More information about the charity can be found on their website and on my charity page on our website.
As my background was in education I wanted to choose a charity that would help young people and recognize their selfless contribution through helping others. I want not only to raise funds but also to help raise the profile of a charity and perhaps encourage people not only to donate money but also their time.
Whilst this is not a joint fundraiser with 41 Club, National President, Malcolm's charity Ocean Youth Trust also work with young people and has a link with young carers.
I am aiming to provide money and support specifically for Young Carers and during my year, I aim to visit a centre in each of our regions.
Carers Week 2010 takes place 14 th -20 th June , supported by such organizations as Crossroads, MacMillan, Parkinsons Society, MS Society, all of who recognize the importance of carers. Why not during this week hold a “Caring Cup of Coffee morning “with a caring cake stall .
By simply adding £1 for each member, to the cost of one of your Tangent meetings during the year, would raise a significant amount.
To donate money to the charity please send cheques to me, made payable to The Princess Royal Trust for Carers. I will give regular updates of the amount raised through the Tangent News and also our website. Watch the temperature rise on the thermometer as we raise money for this year's charity.
I know all Tangent clubs will through their commitment and energy support Young Carers during the year.
Lastly, I would like to thank all 4 clubs in the Market Harborough Round Table Family for the “Friendship and Fun” we have shared over the years and for their continued support - especially this weekend. It is really good to see you all here today.
So, to all Tangent clubs, may I say I am really looking forward to my year as your National President and meeting as many of you as possible.
Please join me in a year of “Friendship and Fun” as we celebrate 40 years of continued friendship.
Gill Preston
Tangent National President 2010-2011
president@tangent-clubs.org
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