The UK and Europe Newsletter has just been published.  In this edition Nicky Bicket (1973F), who recently made the decision to step down as UK and Europe Branch Secretary, reflects on his tenure as the UK Branch Secretary for over ten-and-a-half years.

Nicky expresses his deep gratitude for the friendships formed and the enjoyable moments experienced while serving in the role and emphasizes the need for fresh perspectives and energy to ensure the continued success of the UK Branch.  He writes:

When I wrote the first of these monthly newsletters to UK ODs in late 2013, little did I know that, 115 letters and ten-and-a-half years later, my time as the UK Branch Secretary would be drawing to a close. Seeing off three Patrons (soon) and five ODU Chairmen and eight committees, I, by contrast, have enjoyed the constancy of the UK Branch and every moment of the past decade has been, for me, great fun. I am very grateful for having being able to meet such a vast number of wonderful ODs and for the friendships I've made along the way. Long may those last.

Two months after I took on this role, UK ODs, through a survey, put forward their ideas, preferences and no-go areas for a successful UK Branch. I'd like to think their guidance has been (broadly) followed. The collage which serves as a header for this newsletter reflects a tiny sample of the more than 90 functions and events we've enjoyed since then. But in response to the news I was stepping down, none of the ODs who wrote to me mentioned events and functions as the main achievements of the Branch. What they said they appreciated most and what made the Branch special was the collegiality, connectedness, and general feeling of being "home". That is very gratifying (for me anyway!). Functions and events, so well supported by all of you, are merely the means to those ends.

We are hoping that a few UK ODs might come forward to take on some of the very undemanding Branch chores. Although I have commited to a "hard stop" on 31st March (this is the last newsletter from me), I will most certainly be available to assist the new incumbent(s) -  there could be more than one should they want this. Despite impressions to the contrary, the duties bring more enjoyment — much much more — than hard work (as the "trat" photo below, among many others, attests). It is possible, maybe desirable even, that a team could share out the various "duties".  And there is no rule that says that the format of the events/functions should remain the same or as frequent.

So come on, chaps. Talk among yourselves and if the spirit moves you, please do get hold of me or any of the boys in the photo above. I know the Branch will most certainly thrive under the new regime — but there needs to be a new regime.

Now is the time for fresh minds, eyes and energy.

Nicky Bicket's outstanding contribution not just to his own branch, but the ODU in general, cannot be underestimated and we trust that he will continue to participate as a valued OD.

To read the full UK and Europe Newsletter CLICK HERE.