SPA UK Sandesh 2017 | Page 9

Mahila Samelan in Oldham hosted by Tameside branch on the sensitive subject of“ Grooming” and“ Care in the Community”. In addition, they provided support to the Seniors and youth teams. Our sincere appreciation to Tameside branch.
For the 2017 Mahila Samelan, with no host branch, the Mahila team took on board the challenge and co-ordinated it with all fourteen branches. It was held on 14th May 2017 in Leicester on the theme of‘ Healthy Brain Healthy Lifestyle’. It was educational and there have been many requests to repeat this theme, perhaps at a Seniors Event as it is relevant to us all. Our thanks to the ladies for your achievement.
As their two-year term came to an end in 2017, Nayanaben, Nehaben, Padmaben and Hasmitaben from Leicester branch have now been elected as the new Mahila Committee. They organised a very successful Family Fun Day on 2nd July 2017 at Draycote Water, and they are working with Bradford branch Mahilas towards the 2018 Mahila Samelan in Bradford.
Youths My sincere thanks to Hirenbhai and his youth team who worked with Bradford branch who hosted the 2017 Sports Day on 2nd September 2017 at Leeds Becket University. It was a sunny, sporty and social event enjoyed by all. It was noticeable, as per previous years, that participation is on the decline. All of us need to encourage all our family members to participate in this fun filled social gathering.
Golf Tournament – Gulabbhai and Gitaben from Coventry have been instrumental in organising this tournament. This year it was hosted by Birmingham branch and held at West Midlands Golf Club, Solihull. It has gone from strength to strength. Along with the great weather there was another good turnout with 41 golfers of all abilities. They also raised £ 570 for SPA
( UK) charities. A big thanks to all in making this a fun tournament and we look forward to your continued support.
Cricket Tournament – Due to be held in Wellingborough in 2017, this tournament did not go ahead due to a low number of teams. We are planning for 2018 now.
Treasury Team My sincere appreciation to Bhupendrabhai, who has now taken over from Ranjanaben( now providing support as an assistant along with Rajnibhai), for their dedication in maintaining accurate finance records in line with our obligations.
Single? Let’ s Mingle! Following Anilbhai’ s returned from a break, I’ m delighted to report this event commenced once again on 13th May 2017 in Leicester. Welcome back Anilbhai! The next event is planned for February 2018.
Sandesh This year, with Jasuben in the role of Editor to ease the overall burden that this task requires, Dineshbhai and his team have focused more on the design side. Together with Jaimini, Arun, Preeya and Nimisha, they have put together another brilliant publication. It will also be available online through our website. Thank you to the whole of the talented Sandesh team.
Webmaster As a Graphics Design professional, Arunbhai from Luton has been working on both improving the website and the Sandesh. Arun has now completed the new look website, which will be published in early 2018. Arun has published Sandesh online and the online grant application forms for SPA ITF. My appreciation to Arunbhai for your tremendous contribution.
SPA( UK) ITF The SPAITF sub committee has continued to meet and vet grant applications and approving those that meet the criteria. One of the areas we would like to see improve next is the provision of the required information from students and clear a backlog of payments, which can only be processed when correct details are received.
SPAITF requested that any major fund raising go through this committee. This was approved by the Pratinidhis. Following repeated requests for volunteers to take this forward, I am very pleased to advise that Bhupendrabhai from Wellingborough and Uttambhai from East London will take this on board. Furthermore, SPA( UK) and Shree Prajapati Education Foundation( SPEF Canada) have agreed to share data to avoid duplication of grant applications from students to both organisations. A memorandum of understanding( MoU) has been signed by both parties.
SPAITF secretary Hemantbhai is finding it difficult to continue in this role and expressed a wish to resign. I am pleased to report that Dineshbhai from Coventry will take over as secretary in March 2018. My sincere thanks to Hemantbhai for taking SPAITF forward.
PRO Kiranbhai has continued to assist SPA( UK) with professional photographs which we publish in Sandesh and on the website. My sincere appreciation for this support.
Charity Co-ordinator I am pleased to welcome Vipulbhai from Birmingham as the new charity co-ordinator. He has years of experience and is extremely knowledgeable regarding charity governance and has been instrumental in forwarding useful information to ensure the Associations’ trustees remain compliant with charity laws.
Seniors Sub-Committee The new Seniors committee who are in post for the next three years, worked extremely hard with the host
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