Catching up

ChALC have been busily attending events for other organisations, or indeed provided by other organisations that have something to offer our members. Rather than a simple list of those events/organisations, perhaps the subjects discussed would be a better idea. Starting with the"Communities of Interest: Thinking outside the box" meeting facilitated by Neighbourhoods Northwest, this was an excellent meeting where all present looked at improving neighbourhoods - and indeed other forms of communities. Short summary for a very full morning, bit definitely worth it.

The Northwest Allotment Officers' Forum did not sound particularly inspirational, however as our member councils are becoming more and more involved in this subject it seemed an opportunity for discovery and indeed it was. This job never ceases to amaze in terms of how a relatively mundane subject is turned on its head and there are incredible people doing such off the wall things on their allotments - and all within the rules as well.

The Northern Group of County Associations of Local Councils is another body that is much better than its title and sadly I rarely get invited as it is usually our Chief Officer who attends. The discussion is always lively and outward looking, which is unusual for a meeting of people involved in the most local of government. The only downside was the journey to York as it is such a beautiful place to visit without staying. It is always a shame to turn up for a meeting and then leave to get to another meeting back in Cheshire. Perhaps it would be good to hold these meetings on a Monday or Friday and that way the weekend before or after could be a mini break...

ChALC's very own managing body, the Executive met last week to discuss all those issues that keep piling up about our members and our national body, plus the external organisations that it is essential to keep in touch with. Someone once described being a sergeant as the worst job in the world as you get hassled from your bosses about why things are not going well, then you get pressure from your subordinates because things are not going well from their viewpoint. As far as our members and our national body is concerned, ChALC must be like the sergeant and our Executive keenly feel that at times.

Last, but by no means least, the Cheshire West Local Strategic Partnership Network met last week and a good few of our members (as well as yours truly) attended an excellent meeting that was looking at the big picture, as well as managing to consult on three strategies at the same time. Great organisation from Robbie and the rest of the team.