The history of Guildford YMCA goes back further than we thought! I inherited the belief that we started in 1894, but we were recently shown diary in which a Mr Candlin recorded that in 1877 the then secretary to Guildford YMCA had been in post 7 year - so we must go back to at least 1870, probably earlier. This has all been unearthed by an historian, Helen Davies who has produced a pictorial history of our Association.

It's been fantastic to track the development of the Young Men's Christian Association in our beautiful town, from a reading room in the Congregational Church Hall, through numerous premises and a variety of activities in peace and in war. It makes you realise that you are just one small link in a very long chain, and that something that is so often fragile endures. Perhaps there's someone watching over us. The photo depicts a Guildford YMCA band in the 60's that looks rather like the Beatles!

Today was my 11th Guildford YMCA Staff Presentation which means that I've been working there for over 5 years! What a great bunch of people - huge enthusiasm, skillfull, and a great value put on being part of the GYMCA Team. It was good to hear from 4 new people, what their 'first impressions' were, especially two residents who volunteered at Day Camps. It was refreshing to hear from Adrianna about the primary school assemblies she is doing. It was inpiring to hear from Tracy about how she helped 8 children transfer from year 6 to year 7 - what a valuable bit of work. Open House Counselling has been running for 6 years and has counselled over 650 young people in that time - I wonder how many lives have been saved... literally!

The British Urban Group of the YMCA's was another excellent opportunity to meet colleagues, enjoy the great food of Dunford and imbibe a drink or two! I find it interesting that conversations seem to so often turn to how we should be working more closely together - such a change from 2 years ago! Angela Sarkis, the new National Secretary went down very well. I think we appreciate someone, even though new in the job, who is prepared to come back and give as good as she gets. I so much hope and pray that this lady will lead the movement into a new era.

Although I had to leave early, I trust the membership issue was resolved and that BUG will be open to all CEO's. Perhaps we need an annual CEO conference where we can really shape up what the movement needs to become - perhaps link to the APS conference. It would also be an opportunity for Angela to hear from the movement and platform her leadership.

It's 24hrs since I left Guildford Cathedral after the YMCA's National Thanksgiving Service - normal service (sic) can now resume! I guess it went OK. But who's going to be rude enough to say "that was rubbish"! Jon Pickerill seemed to be the star - everyone I met commented on how wonderful his poem was and many people asked for copies. The VIP's turned out well and there were around 350 in the congregation - with over 80 performers/crew, at least we got over the 400 mark!

I was delighted the clear up went so well. By the time I got back up to the Cathedral after the reception at 5pm, everyone was done! Even all the banners had been taken down - which I was particularly pleased about because it was a very precarious exercise up the ladder. The steering group did a wonderful job - a great team exercise.