So a quick round up of this week. Busy busy busy! The new county I am working with are up to 21 schools who are interested and things are moving swiftly – very exciting. Very much a testament to what a group of like minded people can achieve together! Similarly , 9 new schools are working towards what we might do together in Northamptonshire. As ever I was disappointed to have to cancel an event on Friday but the coach tested positive for Covid in the morning and I would much rather be safe.
So, here I am ending my week by starting 10 days at Lilleshall volunteering at the European Youth Championships, an event that we have all been waiting for as it was one of the many impacted by the pandemic. I have recommended before, and I will do so often, volunteering is hugely rewarding and many sports wouldn’t function without people giving up their time. You don’t have to be crazy enough to give 20-30 hours a week like me 😜 or to make a business of it, though I am proud to have been signed off a social enterprise, community interest company, which I did suggest makes me a professional volunteer I think? If you want to come and watch the finals, there’s still time to buy your tickets, take a look on the Archery GB website.
So, here we are, 6 weeks from deciding I needed to grab what I wanted or certainly what I knew I could continue alone, from the work I had been doing for several years, work I am passionate about and believe in. I have collaborated in that time and will continue to do so with like minded people, but now who I am, what l have already achieved and what I think I can still achieve is clearly laid out and is protected for the future. (As for the projects I have had to step away from? Maybe the future will see me involved, maybe it wont – we can only wait and see, they are all work that I believe in and have worked hard on).
The government have, on my third submission, accepted all of the outlines and explanations and can now clearly see my plan and have registered my limited guarantee, social enterprise, community interest company – or CIC for short!
28/6/22 to 8/8/22 – I am proud of what I have achieved so far.
Thank you to every one who has shown support to me since 22/11/21 and especially in the last 3 months.
Never do I take anyone for granted and I certainly wouldn’t have found my feet without you all.
So what else has happened this week?
Conversations with 2 new schools, plans with existing schools, communication with a new county, and the beginnings of my own archery club!
Emails sent to AGB, my first meeting with my new club committee and the early conversation with the county. Eek! not a step I expected to have to consider but necessary.
First shirt order sent off – excited to see them being worn on ranges in several areas of the country soon. Thank you to everyone who has ordered one.
Also the bookings for my first 3 flight archery workshop presentations – exciting! More news to follow on flight in the coming weeks and months but the first competition of the season sees me earn my masters classification in flight archery!
Just aheads up, Friday I shall be off to Lilleshall for 10 days of volunteering at the European Youth Championships – I will be answering emails but not as quickly as I might ordinarily.
This mid week post is a little different and it’s not often this kind of post will occur but it is my website and I think it’s important to remember some things.
Though I started volunteering at the age of 16 it wasn’t until I was 21 that I made a promise to myself that if I came through an horrifying event, that I would spend my life trying to make a difference in some way.
As I was experiencing my own trauma I recalled two years earlier sitting at work early in my civil service career, listening to the mother of Suzy Lamplugh talk to us about the importance of keeping ourself safe and thinking how I had let her down.
It is the 35th anniversary of the disappearance of Suzy and her parents used their experience to help others by creating the Suzy Lamplugh Trust . This was my first real awareness that some people use terrible events to create something positive . Something I always stand in awe of.
If you have read the pages of my website you will have seen my page regarding knife crime and the national anti violence campaign . How I recently joined off the street in their march, our starting point was the location where the most recent fatal stabbing had occurred just last year. I was privileged to meet Dylan’s family and also other families who have suffered tragedy through senseless acts of violence. This week saw the conclusion of the trial into Dylan’s death and I am painfully reminded that we need to do more to give our young people an alternative place to belong than gangs – that place could be in sport .
So as I sit here worrying about if I am good enough to do my bit to make a difference – it’s ok to be a little bit scared and excited about my new path and the achievements both small and large .
I am again thankful to those who are like minded and want to make a difference too and whether we can work together or simply support each other to achieve our aims then this week has surely reminded me of why we are trying .
As I sit here and look back at the last 5 weeks and what I have achieved I am simply amazed!! If ever there was a time in my live where not sleeping was useful – this would definitely be it!!!!
But looking forward I am so excited about the things planned , the works in progress and some very big decisions I have made this last week and the amazing people who have agreed to step into those with me!! It’s definitely a case of watch this space over the coming weeks!! As the future begins to take shape.
I made myself a promise 27 years ago about what I would do with my life, and after so many years of giving in a variety of ways, I might finally have my path to fulfil that promise, clearly laid out in front of me, mine to control and to work with who I want, when I want, in order to achieve our goals together – like minded people can achieve amazing things!!!
This week has been about paperwork , emails and telephone calls, so nothing exciting to report until I can tell you what I have been able to arrange and that will start soon.
So whilst I keep those things quiet just for a little bit longer I shall thank everyone who has played any part in the last 5 years , the last year but especially the last 5 weeks – because your support and the time you give to listen to me is never taken for granted .
28/6/22 – With the help of people who believe in me, I put out my idea of how to move forward after weeks of crying about what was happening, and within 12 hours we had come up with a name, I had the most amazing logo and a plan.
24 hours later with the help of a couple of people who proved they had buckets of patience – I had the makings of my website.
Fast forward a month I have taken on and fulfilled some new events , I have tidied up existing projects , moved them forward, and I am creating huge new relationships.
I am currently working on a possible 8 primary schools and two secondary schools in Northamptonshire. 3 events for the summer holidays and working with 2 groups who are new to Integr8Archery.
Along with partnering with a new county that so far has a possible 12 primary schools and 5 secondary schools.
This week? So far I have been to Lilleshall for 2 days of the youth festival to support some juniors who’s parents reached out to see if I could go over and, whilst there , had some productive conversations with people at Archery GB around a number of things, which may lead to me being on some new working groups later in the year.
I am incredibly grateful to have had people support me and look at different things with me, never do I take any of it for granted.
Hopefully in the next few weeks some things I am working on in the background will be in a position to have me make some announcements – so I am still excited and nervous – but now I am also a little bit brave and a little bit proud!!! Oh and as always I am winging it 🤪😂 every single day!!!
So its now 4 weeks since I made the decision to make a permanent way as to how to proceed with the projects and work that I have been doing for several years.
In that time I have pulled together 5 years worth of data and contacts and continued to run events. Created new contacts and applied to have Integr8Archery made into a community interest company – I should hear about that in the next couple of days.
Summer holiday projects planned this week, exciting as these are new groups and it will be interesting to see what these become.
Steps are moving swiftly forward from that first meeting 2 weeks ago with Leicestershire and the first session for an archery taster has seen another school express an interest in getting archery in their school.
Julie has written a report on her first half term in school –
“ After 2 years being stored in the PE cupboard, Roecroft Lower School in Bedfordshire, finally used their soft arrows archery equipment. 14 excited children on the enrichment programme, along with 2 sessions coaches part funded by the archery in education project, stood on the line and shot their first arrows. The progress they made in five weeks was amazing with some hopefully planning to join a local archery club.”
So as we slide towards the end of week 4 it’s been another busy week.
Lots of new contacts for new groups wanting us to provide sessions for them. I am very grateful to the people who share our details after enjoying what we deliver with them. Some exciting things happening over the summer holidays as a result… .. Watch this space to see what we do for them – exciting!
Congratulations to Julie Speltinckx who was one of the sessions coaches I part funded through the Archery in Education project, and who, after helping with the out of school setting group in Northamptonshire, has trusted in herself, and started her school group who have had a great beginning over the last several weeks and have now broken up for the summer holidays. It will be great to see what happens for them from September.
On top of that I have been arranging my couple of days at the youth festival after being asked to go and support some amazing juniors and, of course, preparing for my extended week volunteering at the European championships in just a couple of weeks.
But for today, it’s paperwork and showing you my shirts! So here they are…..!!
I love them and cannot wait to get my first order so I can be wearing them. So grateful to Neil for taking the information I gave him, giving me 8 designs, letting me tweak things and here we go – the two I have chosen with the help of my team selected to share ideas and opinions.
wow! 3 weeks, it’s been busy and I still have so very much to do but I can see it coming together and the support and help I have had has blown me away. It’s entirely taken me by surprise how many people believe in me and want to work with me. I genuinely didn’t know – so thank you all so very very much.
So the paperwork to register as a Community Interest Company is sat in the inbox of a civil servant, having been one for so many years I know I just have to wait for that to be processed and I can guarantee you will all know as soon as I do, what their reply is.
I have a shirt design, now I just need to get them ordered because we know archers look at shirts and this will be huge to get it out there.
So, what has happened in week 3?
A fantastic meeting with a new county that looks like once we get going will very quickly become as big as Northamptonshire. I have collaborated with 3 counties in small ways and it’s nice to see them doing their thing, any new experience is what we want regardless of numbers. This however, did really show me exactly what my knowledge and experience can achieve, how quickly the ideas can move because I have all of that to draw upon. Already emails have been sent out to ask for schools to pilot, a number of clubs looking to join us, 3 local authorities and the school groups. Amazing what can be achieved when you sit 5 like minded people around the table for 2.5 hours.
A visit to a local inclusive sports club run by Northamptonshire Carers wanting to restart archery after a 5-6 year break. A wonderful couple of hours and so much planned for what we can make happen there to get them up and running and self sustaining in no time and the interest of 2 local clubs offering support.
A day of archery at Wrenn School for a hard working group of young carers. Despite the crazy temperatures they had a fantastic day and it was a pleasure to spend the day giving them the experience. So many plans made for the next academic year to get them up and running as a club and to have archery put back into their school curriculum. This is definitely going to be one to watch, those children have plans. Big thanks to Maggie and Jack for their help on the day.
I never take for granted that people allow me to support them and as I sat doing mountains of paperwork on Saturday I received a text from an archer that I have been supporting through their change. In short, they didn’t feel that they could stay, they felt in the way, a burden to others at the competition. Why? The biggest battle with change is your own mind, it’s so very very hard. However, can I just ask that we all think about what we say? A comment in passing by someone just knocked the confidence that he had in being there. It was likely said without thought or intention, but I have witnessed and experienced those comments, I know the damage that the can do. Ours is possibly the most inclusive sport there is, there is a place for everyone. Remember that you do not know what battles anyone else is facing to please so to quote Thumper in Bambi – “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all”
I am pleased to say that with some encouragement and support he stayed and finished his day, I know what it is to leave and how hard that makes it to go out to the next competition, I also know how lonely sitting on that line can feel. Well done my friend, I am proud of you.
To end this week’s round up I must thank Gaynor Hutchison at GH coaching services who has delivered 6 weeks of archery for 2 groups at Greens Norton Primary School along with a series of sessions at Northampton College for a group of SEND students. The feedback is that all 40 students across the three groups have had an excellent time. Your work has been very much appreciated.
So today’s event at the local school has been postponed until Monday to allow us to move indoors. This will be a great day to give back to a group of young carers who do an amazing job of both attending school and keeping up with their education, whilst at the same time taking care of someone .
They will have so much more fun being inside in the cooler environment than trying to battle the rising temperatures and heatwave.
With this in mind, and the fact that earlier in the year I signed up with melanoma fund to become a sun guard ambassador I would ask you to take some time to look at how you take care of yourself over the next few days.
Key is looking at heatstroke, heat exhaustion and hydration.
Staying safe and well in the heat – messaging from public health for parents/carers and guardians:
A Heat-Health alert has been put into place as even overnight temperatures are predicted to be very warm.
High temperatures come with health consequences for some people. It’s important to protect those most vulnerable including our children, those with health conditions and elderly, as well as keeping yourself safe.
Here are our top tips for staying safe in the heat: • look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated • stay hydrated, take water with you if you are travelling or out and about • stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm as this is when UV rays are the strongest – avoid physical exertion at this time • if you have to go out in the heat stay in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide brimmed hat • close curtains in rooms that the sun faces – this will help rooms remain cooler – remember it could be cooler outdoors than indoors • never leave anyone in a parked closed vehicle – especially not animals, children or babies • avoid travelling at peak times on motorways, particularly if transporting children or the elderly • sadly accidents, often fatal, happen in water at this time of year particularly involving youngsters. That’s why we’re asking parents to supervise their children in and around water. Although it can be fun to cool off in water structures such as bridges, locks and flood channels, and reservoirs and quarries should be avoided. Make sure you know the RNLI’s Float to Live • unexpectedly cold water or strong currents can catch even experienced swimmers off guard. Better to swim safely at one of the county’s organised events where support is provided
Look out for signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and follow some common sense behaviours to make the most of what should be a glorious time for most.
So as I race towards the end of week 2 things are progressing well, I never imagined creating my own business was in my future and 12 months ago I thought I knew exactly who I was collaborating with and the path that my projects were on and where the future would take us.
Here I am striking out with my work, owning it and moving forward, the steps in the last 3 months and the support that I have found have definitely made me believe that I can do this and though alone, with the backing of friends, family and people who want to work with me I am not truly alone. We’ve got this – though there is a lack of team when I am doing my usual 3am emailing – lol – apparently everyone else likes sleep!! Does no-one else recall Bon Jovi declaring we can sleep when we are dead!!
So week two saw the school games (always a privilege to wear my county shirt) and firming of a couple of events that will be happening in week 3, new children will have bows in their hands this coming Friday so that should be great fun. We know the weather looks good too so all systems go there.
A meeting this week with a new county who have been talking things over with me, see what we can achieve together there as there are already schools waiting to get on board.
A bunch of primary schools looking to get on board after last weeks events – is there a collective word for a group of schools?
The biggest news from a new set up point of view is the decisions that I have made regarding exactly how to proceed with this, my interest has never been about profit, it’s been about delivering the amazing things that archery can provide and as long as the coaches get paid that’s what counts, however I do incur costs and it has been pointed out that this must stop, so after looking at the various options of social enterprise I believe I have made the right choices and now we wait for the government bodies to check it all over and come back to me.
Today, amongst the very many emails that I have been sending I have also been looking at my shirt designs from Neil at Lionhart who has managed to pull out some cracking ideas from the messy information that I gave him! Now I just need to decide which two I want! Definitely check them out if you are looking for anything yourself.
Right I am off to shoot some arrows now, did I mention that I scored a PB in the short metric round practise this week – yeah!!
Please also be aware that there are been several pieces of serious news this week for my wider circle of family and though you will continue to get replies on the same day they may not be in my usual, swift reply within moments, way.
Take care in the sun please – despite becoming a sun care ambassador I have been a very poor role model for how to avoid sunburn this last few weeks!! I must try harder to look after me too.
