A Brief update from the Chair of some key events and recent judo news from August.
Hi all
On the 3rd of the month, we tried something different, and piloted our first ‘Olympic Watch Party’. This was an Olympic and Paralympic-themed day at Ratho, where participants could watch the judo from Paris whilst participating in a fun mini Olympics event to win prizes. Oh and enjoy delicious food! What’s not to like? And hopefully, it’s something we can do again!
On that note, the GB Paralympic Judo players will be competing on Saturday and I wish Dan, Evan and Chris the very best of luck. Hopefully, it will be a successful event for them and a productive championship.
On 5th August Judith and myself visited Randori Judo Club in Midlothian to catch up with the coaches and see what they’re doing there. They have a fabulous facility and we’re hoping to be able to work more closely together going forward.
On 16th August, the Board of Directors got together for a fun evening at the Edinburgh Festival. I feel it’s very important that, as a Board, we get to know each other – so we can develop a cohesive Board that works well together as a collective. Unfortunately, I’d previously come down with food poisoning so was in no condition to take part! However, by all accounts, it was a great evening!
I did manage to catch up in August with Graham Campbell and Andrew Scoular, the CEO of British Judo. Again, it’s important that we have good, constructive relationships with our peers and partners. And, in fact, Andrew came along the next day to watch my wife singing in the Rock Choir at the Festival!
We held the Board of Directors meeting on 27th August and as always, got through a pretty full agenda.
But overall, a quiet-ish month, bringing the holiday period to a close. And now getting ready for a busy period including our Grand Prix event with Hibari Kan at Ravenscraig on 21st September. We will be hosting our annual MacMillan Coffee Morning at Ratho on Thursday 26th September between 11 am – 1.30 pm and it would be great to see lots of you along to enjoy a blether and some home baking!
Marc Preston
6th Dan