When I was down at the Johnstone Credit Union AGM, I took the opportunity to have afew words with Tom Kelly, one of the founders of that credit union. There have been recent changes in the legislation around credit unions and Tom was keen to talk about them. It's a cautionary tale from someone who knows.
It was a real delight to get to meet the members of the Johnstone Credit Union this week. I went down to attend the AGM and got a warm welcome from everyone. Whilst there, I recorded a couple of podcasts. This first one was a happy coincidence, because Dave Simmers of Community Food Initiatives North East and Scottish League of Credit Unions delivered the keynote talk to the 70 strong audience. He agreed to a brief interview and I also spoke to a few volunteers. You can listen to the result here.
Listen to Dave Simmers and the JCU Tellers
Only teasing. Lesley and I took a trip out to Dundee and went around the Discovery. Both of us were blown away by the quality of exhibition at Discovery Point. We have stayed across the Tay from this exhibition for a number of years. I guess, like locals, we didn't bother to step across the threshold. But with '100 years of Scott' looming this year, we made the effort. From the explanation of the whole Scott story, the role of Dundee, a real live boat and lots about Antartica; it was interesting and well laid out. Good timing too, because we went off to see our Prosen friends, Jeannie and Hector, who are involved in the Glen's monument for Scott and Wilson. And then, today, we learnt Malmaison have signed up for the Tay Hotel. ( In the meanwhile, 'Table table' at the Discovery Quay is a top noshery. ) The hits keep coming.
If Hospitality and Tourism is to play a big part in Scotland's economic development, then great products like Discovery Point have got to be the norm. I'm off to review it at TripAdvisor.
Anyone who knows me will be familiar with my enthusiasm for people doing 'stuff' at the community level. So, I was delighted to meet Susan Dryburgh, who is Fife Council's Credit Union Development Officer. Standing in the new banking hall at the Kingdom Credit Union in Glenrothes, the place was buzzing. From the cheerful volunteers manning the tills through to the customers opening accounts; it's terrific to see 'a community bank' making its way. I recorded a short interview with Susan and went over some basics about credit unions. Bottom line; if you can seek out and join your local credit union - you'd be doing a good thing. And Susan says it more nicely.
Listen to Susan Dryburgh talk about the Kingdom Credit Union
There is a simple answer to how you make IT interesting for kids, in my humble opinion. Solve their problems, show them how to do things and engage their imaginations. In getting them to mix ringtones, make fantastic animations and construct unbelievable presentations; they'll go back and figure out the art and science powering the technology. Trust me; I have seen it work so many times. Show someone how to do something and if the kindling of interest catches...then stand back. Just sayin'.
It feels like a year ago, since I sat down to blog. The reality is more prosaic. Between feeding Twitter and Facebook, blogging for various websites, and keeping in touch with the communities of interest' I am involved with; life hasn't been quiet at all over "the break".
The new calendar year promises a lot. New sports projects over at the Glasgow School of Sport, fascinating projects with the NHS 24 team and lots of community based action.
I am trying to keep the big picture in mind as I get ready for another roller coaster ride. It always starts the same way on the 'first day back'; tax return to be completed, people to contact and the next time you look up, it's June! So, as the ride starts up; all the best to everyone for 2012! Let's have some fun and don't be a stranger!
Well, the end of the year is in view and all that remains for me is to say "thanks very much".
Between the bike rides, the craic, and the great people I have met this year in the course of working; it's been fun all the way.
Times are tough for lots of people. Yet I have a sense we are all going to be looking back at these times with a special affection. And it's the people, their smiles, jokes and the shared hope, we are going to remember, rather than the things we couldn't buy or afford.
I have been fortunate enough to meet. Wild eyed optmists, determined to change their world and this world. Quiet determined types, who are working away at schemes to energise communities. Creative mavens, dreaming of a new way to see, well, just everything.
Thanks to you all. You've made the difference for me this year.
This week, it's back to business with an update to the question "what happens when you let the historians take over the comedy club?" And there is mention of green awards, wind turbines and customer service. Something for everyone!
A day away training with lots of community activists in Stirling is a great way to spend Saturday. There should be lots of good craic and ideas bouncing about the place as all get stuck into the challenges of delivering community benefits via social media. Far from being the sage on the stage, I am anticipating hearing a lot of stories and experiences. I have put together a slide set in PDF format that covers the main parts of my workshop. It is downloadable here.
I have always had a positive attitude towards Leith and Leithers. Over the last wee while, I have enjoyed some of the podcasts at Greener Leith . They are sharp, funny and engaging. Emily Dodd is the talent behind the faders. So, it was great to meet and chat to Emily on a beautiful, sunny afternoon.