Campaign staff got together with voluntary sector representatives last night at the Maritime Museum in Liverpool for the Campaign's annual Voluntary Sector Forum. The evening got off to a flying start with a cracking selection of cakes on offer to revive those flagging post-work energy levels.
First on the agenda was the presentation of 2006's Unilever Dragonfly Awards. Compere Tony Durrant made a bid to be considered for host of the Baftas with his humorous and smooth handling of the festivities. Star of the show was Tom Workman, individual winner, who received a loud ovation from the room. Representatives from the Young People category winner - Canon Burrows School - took advantage of it being half-term to take a trip over to Liverpool and receive their beautiful recycled glass trophy. Overall winners, the Friends of Platt Fields Park, were represented by Victor Blunden, who masterminded their nomination.
After the glamour of the presentations, everyone settled back to enjoy the keynote presentation. Richard Leafe, brand-new Regional Director of the newly-formed Natural England gave us a great insight into aims and plans of the new organisation, as well as detailing some of the ways that volunteers can get involved. He also issued a call for everyone to visit their nearest National Nature Reserve to see the 'jewels in the crown' of Natural England. You can find yours by visiting their website.
There were plenty of questions from the floor for Richard, and even an invitation from one attendee for him to visit a particular trouble-spot. It looks like Richard's got his work cut out in the coming months. Look out for an in-depth interview with him by the campaign's own Matthew Sutcliffe in the forthcoming issue of Source Magazine.
The next part of the programme saw Alan Jemmett from Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service give the forum an insight into the Merseyside Waste Development Plan, before everyone reconvened in the function room for networking...and perhaps just a little more cake?
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