So what have I been up to recently?

I seem to have been out and about meeting lots of interesting people - one of the best bits of my job!
The Lichfield District Arts Partnership meeting was hosted at Spark cafe on Tamworth Street (highly recommended!). It's always good to have an opportunity to catch up with other arts organisations and practitioners and to meet new people. There is so much going on in the Lichfield District but we are not always very good at communicating with each other about it. There's great potential for more joined up thinking and collaboration here so fingers crossed for the success of the forthcoming new website, and future networking social events.
A lovely sunny afternoon was spent with the Lichfield Tourist Association. We were treated to a visit to the Emporium gallery in Bird Street where we enjoyed  viewing the work of local artisans over a glass of bucks fizz. All of the artworks, ceramics, jewellery etc. are available to buy, or you can just go and browse. We moved on to Room to Inspire (and a glass of Pimms...) whilst we looked at all of the lovely gifts and things for your home which they specialise in. We ended our tour at the Queens Head for a buffet and networking - you can understand why I love my job! Local traders really are working very hard to keep Lichfield a thriving and attractive place to live and visit.
I also had a very interesting meeting with Jane Reynolds from SCYVS otherwise known as the Staffordshire Council of Voluntary Youth Services. They are essentially an  umbrella organisation for youth groups across the county, providing support for existing youth groups, helping new groups to establish, increasing participation and volunteering by young people and promoting good safe working practice in the youth sector. They also act as an information hub for youth organisations, sharing news and resources. This organisation could be really helpful for the Mysteries in engaging and working with young people.
I have also been busy with our community engagement work - again I have met so many  inspiring people who are keen to work with us it is really encouraging. Check it out at Lichfield Mysteries Community Engagement blog

All the fun of the Fair!

The Mystery stall

Ann and I have just got back for a busy morning at the CVS Volunteer Week Fair. Lots of local organisations were represented and members of the public came along to find out about volunteering opportunities. It was an excellent event and gave us opportunity to catch up with people we know and make some new friends and contacts. Well done Lichfield and District CVS for super organisation (and very tasty cookies!)

Ann proudly shows off her certificate

Ann was presented with a certificate by the Chairman of Lichfield District Council to mark all of her hard work and tremendous support for the Mysteries - even before becoming a member of the Mysteries Council, Ann was hugely helpful and supportive. She has produced all of the Mysteries programmes since 1994 and as a journalist with the Lichfield Post always made sure we had excellent coverage with lots of lovely photographs. Well done Ann and a big thank you from everyone at the Mysteries, oh - and keep up the good work - we'd be lost without you!