News
At present the committee is attempting to recruit a member from each establishment within the East Midlands (South) area. This is proving difficult, as time is a precious commodity these days with members often too busy through normal prison duties or lacking the support from line managers to undertake this valuable role. The end result being that the committee has a difficult role in recruiting members who can fully commit to the duties involved. There is a wealth of experience and talent in the service that is being wasted, so please, if you feel you can work for your RESPECT colleagues then contact a committee member who can advise you further.

Events
Black History Month
At present we are collating material for the Black History month celebrations in order to provide each establishment in our area a quality package of material and media displays. The idea would be that this package is used in each establishment on a rotational basis. If any member has ideas how this can be improved or has material that they feel could be of use please contact a member of the committee. It is hoped that this material will become a permanent package for use within the area.

Lastly I would like to take this opportunity to thank the area committee for all the extremely hard work that they undertook last year in organising the ANC at Stoneleigh. This is by far the biggest event, that as an area any one has to organise, as I am sure the new organisers are finding out. Without the dedication of a few the many would not be able to enjoy a superb day each year.

Andy Findlay