New regional groups are springing up around the country, helping to drag the ABSW outside of London.
While London-based events are convenient for those of us living here, the ABSW comprises members from all over the UK, many of whom are far from the capital. One of the main targets of the Executive Committee this year is to make the ABSW as useful as possible for all its members, regardless of geography.
The most active regional group at the moment is the South-West branch, which currently caters for around 15 members based in or around Bristol. They’ve enjoyed several meet-ups already, and have another planned for 21 May at the Bristol Festival of Ideas. Anyone interested in attending this or future events with this groups should contact Hayley Birch).
We have coordinators in place for several other regions, and all we need now is people to get these groups off the ground.
Mike Kenward is gauging interest in lunchtime meetings for members based in or near Brighton. If you’re Oxford-based, Richard Scrase is your point of contact. He’s planning a monthly pub meeting for starters.
Tony Jones has agreed to coordinate a North Wales group. Helen Gavaghan is our Northern England coordinator.
There has been a bit of a muted response from Scotland-based ABSW members on the ABSW-L so far, but James Urquhart is eager to get some activities going north of the border.
Whatever you fancy doing – whether meeting in a local pub over a few pints, visiting a museum, exhibition or event, or even holding an ABSW briefing in your area – get in touch with your regional coordinator and help make it happen! No group in your area? Contact me to get something started.
Chrissie GilesABSW’s Regional Groups Coordinator
