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Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh visited Surrey’s History Centre in Woking. Whilst there, The Duchess toured the Centre’s extensive heritage services and met the staff and volunteers. The Duchess was shown treasures from the Centre’s collections, including a signed letter by Lady Jane Grey, a Tudor swan roll, photographs and papers relating to the Surrey regiments on the Western Front, early Surrey maps and a rare 18th century handwritten Qur’an. On a behind the scenes tour, The Duchess of Edinburgh was shown how the collections are stored, conserved and protected for future generations and how members of the public are using the collections today. She spoke to search room users, volunteers and staff members who told of the current projects they are working on. Surrey County Archaeological Unit staff explained their work at Ankerwycke Priory and West Horsley Place alongside their mounted display of archaeological finds from recent excavations at these sites. The Duchess met with local volunteers who work on community archaeology projects. Mike Page, County Archivist, thanked her Royal Highness for visiting to learn more about the amazing range of innovative work delivered by Surrey Heritage Centre with the help of its expert staff, volunteers and strong local partnerships. Councillor Saj Hussain said, “It was an honour to meet Her Royal Highness today on her visit and to discover more myself about some of the most fascinating records held here." "The centre welcomes everyone who wishes to find out more about Surrey’s heritage, if you haven’t visited yet then do see the website for opening times and all the great services they offer.”

Regent Home, a two bedroomed house, is the latest to receive the top rating by the regulator, highlighting the ‘exceptional care and nurture’ that children receive. The home provides care for up to two children who may have social or emotional difficulties. Two other Wakefield Council run children’s homes – Cottam Croft Home and The Croft - were rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in October following their assessments. All three homes are based in the Pontefract area. Councillor Margaret Isherwood, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Wakefield Council, said: “We are very proud to have received our third outstanding rating in recent months. This is testament to the dedication of all those who work with and support our children and young people." “We want to provide the best possible care to help our young people thrive, and this is great recognition that we are delivering high quality and effective support. But we’re not complacent, and continually strive to continue to improve. Our ambition is that when our other three homes are next assessed they will also achieve top ratings – our children deserve the best.” Regent Home, a two-bedded home was rated as: • Overall experiences and progress of children and young people – outstanding • How well children and young people are helped and protected - outstanding • The effectiveness of leaders and managers - outstanding The Ofsted report said: “Children have wonderful experiences living at this home. They receive exceptional care and nurture from staff who are compassionate and enthusiastic. Children are making and sustaining fantastic progress in all areas of their development." “Children living in this home develop a strong sense of safety and security. Routines and boundaries are well established and the quality of relationships between staff and children is excellent. One child said, ‘If you were a child, you would never want to leave’.” At Cottam Croft Home, Ofsted recognised the high quality of care being delivered. It found that: “Children living at this home experience the very best of care from staff who are dedicated and want to make a difference for children." The home provides care for up to two children who experience social and, or emotional difficulties. The home was rated as: • Overall experiences and progress of children and young people - outstanding • How well children and young people are helped and protected - outstanding • The effectiveness of leaders and managers - good Ofsted also said: “Children are making excellent progress in all areas of their lives. They develop strong bonds with staff who take time to get to know the children and understand what they need. One child described how staff never gave up on them. They feel that staff will always be there for them and because of this they feel more confident. Another child described staff as ‘nice’ and said that they trust them.”

An entrepreneur who walked away from a successful career in 2018, is celebrating his gin distillery achieving the Tripadvisor “Traveller’s Choice Award” which puts it in the top 10% of businesses listed in the world based on reviews. Warwickshire Gin Company’s tasting experiences have also shot to the envied top spot of Best Things To Do In Leamington Spa thanks to 80 five-star reviews from visitors. It marks a proud milestone for founder David Blick who established the distillery at Victoria Business Centre in 2018 after 28 years working in retail and logistics. He admits: “I didn’t know the first thing about making gin when the idea to start a distillery first came to me whilst on holiday in Tenby. I got talking to the owner of Tenby Gin who has a shop there and asked him how he made it. He told me he used a third-party distiller – and that’s when the penny dropped. We had a steep learning curve but learned from a multi-award-winning distiller.” Fast forward six years and David boasts a clutch of awards for his own gin and rum collection, born from ‘a desire to capture a moment in history, developing flavours to fully represent the county’s own unique story and bringing the range of hand-crafted flavours to life.’ These include Leamington on Parade, inspired by the true story of circus elephant trainer Sam Lockhart in the 1880s; The Kingmaker – named after Richard Neville 16th Earl of Warwick and Peeping Tom – inspired by the legend of Coventry’s Lady Godiva. David said: “We have done it – the No1 Thing to do in Leamington Spa on Trip Advisor. I’m over the moon that all the hard work my team have put into our various experiences has paid off." "We now have many customers visiting Warwickshire and Leamington in particular who can see the reviews and book up ahead of their visit, confident they will have a great time." “Visitor numbers sky-rocketed last year to over 2,100 from 910 in 2022, we have already seen very strong bookings for 2024 and had to add more experience capacity to satisfy demand. In 2024 we are expecting over 3,000 visitors to our small craft distillery.” Gin Tasting Experiences now take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Afternoon G&Tea on Saturdays and Sundays and Cocktails at the Distillery on Friday nights. Due to demand, David is also adding another Cocktails at the distillery session in July on a Saturday night. He added: “Being in the Old Town area of Leamington is a handy short walk from the train station and also close to all the great bars and restaurants the town has to offer. Many decide to stay overnight or make a weekend of it.” Gift vouchers for the experiences are also selling well, especially ahead of Valentine’s Day, when there is a Gin Tasting.

Azets, the top ten Northern European advisory, compliance, and outsourcing group, announces the appointment of Melanie Richards CBE as the new Chair of its Board of Directors. Melanie will work with Group Chief Executive Officer Chris Horne and the senior leadership team in delivering the company’s next phase of growth. Melanie brings large-scale general management, board, and advisory expertise, with over 40 years of corporate finance and capital markets experience. Melanie was Deputy Chair of KPMG UK, with a focus on a broad set of environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) topics including risk and reputation, culture and diversity and inclusion. Melanie is a Non-executive Director of Morgan Stanley International. and HKA, a member of the boards of the Royal National Theatre and Invictus Games Foundation, and Chair of The Eve Appeal. She sits on the UK Government Skills and Curriculum Unit Leadership Advisory Board and is an Advisory Partner of Manchester Square Partners. Azets was formed in 2017 by Hg, a leading investor in European and transatlantic software and services businesses. The Group has grown significantly to become one of the largest tech-enabled providers of accounting, tax, payroll, audit and advisory services to ambitious mid-market, entrepreneurial, owner-managed, and family-owned businesses globally. In June 2023, private equity firm PAI Partners joined the business as a co-controlling investor alongside Hg, with the Group announcing ambitious plans to continue its growth strategy. Chris Horne, Group Chief Executive Officer at Azets, commented: “We are delighted to announce that Melanie has been appointed Chair of Azets Group. Melanie’s experience as a Chair, board member, and senior executive leading companies with their growth ambitions will help deliver our five-year Pathway strategy." “Melanie joins Azets at an important stage of our development, as we continue to focus on investing in our colleagues and supporting the changing needs of our clients in each of the markets we serve. “Melanie is an influential leader in diversity and inclusion and ESG, and I know our values are closely aligned both operationally and in these important areas. On behalf of the Board of Directors and everyone at Azets Group, we welcome Melanie and look forward to achieving great things together.” Melanie was awarded a CBE in 2019 for her contribution to business and to the diversity and inclusion agenda. She is a founding member of the 30% Club Steering Committee, sits on the Steering Group of the FTSE Women Leaders Review and won the Outstanding Contribution to Social Mobility Award in 2018. Melanie is an Honorary Member of the ICAEW and has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Business and Administration from Oxford Brookes University. Melanie Richards CBE, Chair of Azets Group, said: “I’m pleased to be joining a successful and fast-growing business as we embark on its next growth phase. I’m very much looking forward to working with Chris and the executive team to achieve our ambitions. Azets is a purpose-driven business and I am energised by the opportunity to establish the Group’s leading market position and strong platform for future growth.” Melanie replaces Gordon Hurst, who stepped down as Chairman of Azets in December 2023 after three successful years with the Group. Chris Horne added: “I want to thank Gordon for his exceptional leadership since 2020. Gordon helped guide Azets through a transformational phase, during which we built the foundations for long-term success, at a time when we all faced significant challenges related to the global pandemic. We wish Gordon well in all his future endeavours.”

Apprenticeships are crucial in encouraging people from a diverse range of backgrounds to enter the creative industry and help to combat misconceptions about the best path to a successful career, according to Amalia White, an Account Executive at Stockport-based creative agency IPOS. To mark National Apprenticeship Week (5th-11th February), Amalia - who joined IPOS through an apprenticeship in project management before transitioning to account management - is sharing her top tips for others considering the same route. Amalia says: “Awareness weeks like National Apprenticeship Week are crucial. They provide a platform for individuals to inspire others and share their creations and achievements. For me, it was a fantastic opportunity to get a foot in the door at a leading creative agency and work with global brands. As a result, I’ve gained an insight into a fascinating industry and received valuable experience that led to my appointment as Account Executive, where I can work on projects with the likes of Birkenstock, New Balance, Under Armour and UGG." “Choosing an apprenticeship is also a statement about the importance of a diverse range of educational pathways. While university can be a great option for some, practical, on-the-job training is equally - if not more - valuable. By pursuing an apprenticeship, you can not only develop career skills, but also challenge the notion that university is the sole path to success.” Amalia’s top tips for people considering an apprenticeship include: 1. Embrace The Learning Curve : Understand that entering an apprenticeship with little to no experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. Embrace the learning curve, be open to new challenges, and view every task as a chance to acquire valuable skills. Through my apprenticeship in project management, I got to work with people across all parts of IPOS, learning about roles I never knew existed and I saw first-hand how these all come together to deliver results for clients. 2. Cultivate Curiosity : Cultivate a sense of proactive curiosity. Don't be afraid to ask questions, seek clarification, and express genuine interest in the work you're doing. This not only demonstrates your eagerness to learn but also fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment. IPOS is particularly keen on encouraging this kind of atmosphere and is recognised by the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter for its vision to be one of the region’s most rewarding creative agencies. 3. Build A Diverse Skill Set : An apprenticeship is a unique chance to explore various aspects of your chosen field. Take advantage of this by actively seeking out diverse tasks and projects. Building a broad skill set not only makes you a more versatile professional but also opens up more opportunities down the line. I was fortunate that my apprenticeship in Project Management at IPOS meant I dealt with people across every department, covering key areas such as strategy development and idea generation, giving me a broad range of skills. 4. Networking Matters : Forge connections with colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals. Networking is a powerful tool that goes beyond the immediate workplace. Attend industry events, engage in online forums, and build relationships that can provide guidance, support, and potential career opportunities. 5. Show Initiative : Initiative is highly valued in any work setting. Take the initiative to tackle tasks without always waiting for instruction or a brief - just identify the problem and try to fix it. Volunteer for projects, propose ideas, and demonstrate your willingness to go the extra mile. This proactive approach not only sets you apart but also accelerates your learning and growth. 6. Embrace Feedback : Constructive feedback is a valuable resource for improvement. Embrace feedback with an open mind, see it as an opportunity to refine your skills, and use it to shape your professional development. This willingness to learn and adapt is a hallmark of a successful apprenticeship experience. 7. Set sShort-Term Goals : Whatever training or development programme you’re on, break it down into manageable short-term goals. Whether it's mastering a specific skill, completing a project independently, or expanding your professional network, setting achievable milestones provides a sense of accomplishment and keeps you motivated. 8. Maintain A Positive Mindset : Starting with no experience can be challenging, but maintaining a positive mindset is crucial. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and view setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve. Try to extend this to positive body language too; engage, be interested, give good eye contact and do your best to create a positive impact. A positive attitude not only benefits your personal wellbeing but also contributes to a positive work environment.

Harlequins can confirm that Defence Coach Jerry Flannery will depart the Club in February to take up a coaching role with the South African national team. Flannery will depart for the Springboks following the high-profile friendly match at The Stoop on Friday 23 February as Harlequins take on his former side Munster Rugby. Flannery, who joined the Club in 2020 has been a key part of the coaching team that won the Gallagher Premiership title in 2021 and now stand second in the Premiership. Harlequins Director of Rugby Billy Millard said: “We will be sorry to see Jerry go as he is a big character and can be very proud of his achievements at Harlequins. We wish him well as he moves into international rugby and continues to develop his career. He will always be welcome at The Stoop." "For the rest of this season we have a very strong group of coaches and are very fortunate to have Assistant Defence Coach Jordan Turner-Hall with us, and the resources and structure to achieve our goals." Flannery added: “I have loved my time at Harlequins working alongside a talented young group of coaches and players. The opportunity to move into international rugby and to work alongside Rassie Erasmus again after our time at Munster was very appealing and I would like to thank Harlequins for supporting my desire to take up this opportunity to develop my career. I look forward to the next few weeks with Harlequins and a final home match at a sold-out Stoop in February."

Millions of pounds have already been invested into the area thanks to Loughborough Town Deal and more developments are on the way. The Town Deal is backing 11 projects with several already being completed or progressing well and 2024 looks set to be another big year. The Town Deal secured £16.9 million from the Government’s Towns Fund to support the projects and in total, they are worth more than £40 million of investment. Those already completed include a new Careers and Enterprise Hub in the town centre, the regeneration of the Bedford Square area, the creation of SportPark Pavilion 4 at Loughborough University and the upgrade of two kilometres of canal towpath through the heart of the town. The Living Loughborough project has also expanded free wi-fi in the town centre, created an augmented reality heritage trail and helped introduce free business support for local businesses. More elements of this scheme are being developed. In total, the investment for these projects is around £14 million. And other projects also well underway include work to save the last major Bell Foundry in Britain – John Taylor & Co. The scheme, which is also being supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, is due for completion later this year. Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL, Loughborough Town Deal chair, said: “I am delighted to see the progress that the Town Deal projects are making on the ground – projects which began as ideas for regeneration and improvements, over four years ago." “The total investment now being made is simply huge for Loughborough, its residents, and visitors to the town. It will help support the people of Loughborough for many years to come with new facilities, skills, jobs and an improved environment.” Dr Kotecha, whose tenure as chair of the Town Deal Board has come to an end, added: “I am proud of what our Town Deal has achieved so far and proud to have played a role in supporting the programme and projects through to this delivery stage. “We have faced and overcome a range of challenges, including right from the very beginning when we put together our investment plan with partners and local businesses – just as the pandemic hit." “However, we went on to secure £16.9 million from the Government to back our 11 projects. Today, work is well advanced, collaborating with many tremendous partners who have co-invested and have led - or are leading - the delivery of these exciting projects. Without the commitment shown by our partners, the programme just wouldn’t have been possible." “I am really pleased that some key projects have already been completed and will make a lasting difference for Loughborough." “I’m excited to see the successful completion of all projects within the Town Deal, and I would like to wish everyone who has supported the Town Deal over the past few years the best, in particular my fellow board members who have been instrumental in driving this forward." “The Town Deal will not only leave a legacy in terms of its projects but also in how it has brought people, organisations and businesses together for the benefit of the area.” Dr Kotecha was appointed co-chair of the board in 2020 alongside Councillor Jonathan Morgan, the former Leader of Charnwood Borough Council. Dr Kotecha has been chair since last year. The other Town Deal projects which are still being progressed include the Lanes and Links scheme which will better link the town centre and Queen’s Park and see the creation of a Covid memorial; the creation of a Digital Skills Hub at Loughborough College; the creation of the Generator which will see a derelict building converted into a creative arts and culture hub; support for Great Central Railway; and support for a flood scheme for Loughborough’s Wood Brook. To find out more about the Loughborough Town Deal projects, visit here: The Town Deal Board involves representatives from Charnwood Borough Council, Loughborough University, Loughborough College, Love Loughborough, Leicestershire County Council, the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership, Charnwood Together Economy and Skills Group, local businesses and Loughborough MP Jane Hunt.

Musical instruments hit a high note, when an antique cello sold for £17,000 (plus buyer’s premium) in Tennants Auctioneers’ Scientific and Musical Instruments, Cameras and Tools Sale. The cello, which was possibly English, was a good, well-made example of a pre-1820 instrument and attracted significant levels of interest before selling to a telephone bidder. Further early instruments of note included a circa 1838 Wooden Flute by Rudall & Rose embossed with the Royal Crest (sold for £850), and an English Classical Bassoon stamped ‘W Milhouse London’ (sold for £600. Amongst the 20th century instruments in the sale were two saxophones from a small collection of musical instruments in the sale, which belonged to the late Alan W. W. Fenny, a successful businessman from the North East who was once the largest employer in Stockton-on-Tees. The Alto and the Tenor Saxophones, which sold for £5,500 and £6,000 respectively, are prime examples of the Selmer Mark VI, long considered to be the gold standard of saxophones which were played by the likes of John Coltrane, Kenny G, Stan Getz, and Sonny Rollins. Acoustic guitars sold well throughout, too, with competitive bidding for good Gibsons such as an example made in Kalamazoo with a sunburst finish, which sold for £850, and a Gibson J200 Acoustic Guitar, which sold for £1,700. A further acoustic guitar by C F Martin & Co sold well, too at £1,500 and a Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo Electric Guitar sold for £1,300. Elsewhere in the sale, Leica cameras once again proved popular, with a Leica M6 Anton Bruckner Camera, one of a limited-edition release made to celebrate the anniversary of the composer’s death, sold for £3,200, and a Leica M2 Camera with lenses and accessories sold for £2,500. Scientific curios that attracted bidders included a cased collection of 30 pairs of glass eyes, which sold for £380, and an anatomical life size model of the musculature of the human leg, which sold for £300.

A rare artwork by pseudonymous street artist Banksy is on sale at a Stratford gallery – and it could be hanging on your wall for a mere £50,000! Lambert Fine Art, in Bell Court, has taken possession of Grannies, one of only a couple of examples of his work that come onto the open market each year. Published by Pictures On Walls, the framed 57.5x76.5cm limited-edition print from 2006, was obtained by the gallery through a mysterious ‘private source’ linked to the artist and comes complete with a certificate of authentication. Rendered in Banksy’s signature black and white stencil style, the pair of grannies are set against a block pink background, serving to heighten the humorous contradiction between scene and message, a technique mastered by the artist. Director Mark Lambert said: "We are so excited to bring to the market this wonderful piece. I have personally sold many prints by Banksy over the years including an original spray work on canvas which in today’s market would be worth millions." “This Banksy titled ‘Grannies’ is truly exceptional and in perfect condition. It’s framed and glazed with museum quality glass to protect the work for the future.” “We are also very lucky to be working with the neo-psychedelic-cosmic-abstract-expressionist street artist Sickboy who personally worked with Banksy on many of his shows including The Bristol Museum exhibition and Dismaland in Weston-Super-Mare.” Active since the 1990s, Banksy’s works of political and social commentary have appeared on streets, walls and bridges throughout the world but the identity of the England-based artist remains unknown. Banksy's paintings at auction set numerous records. However, the most expensive piece ever sold at auction was the seminal Love is in the Bin which famously went for £18.6m in 2021 at Sotheby's. Picasso, Degas, Monet, Warhol, Lowry, Renoir and Henry Moore are among some of the other international artists handled by Mark Lambert, who opened his first dealership in Stratford’s Bell Court in November. The gallery specialises in original 19th-21st Century works as well as contemporary paintings and sculpture from Royal Academy level artists. Mark, from Knowle, has 24 years in the art business, having previously worked for two of the UK’s top international art dealerships, galleries including in The Cotswolds, London, New York and San Francisco and is connected with the major auction houses around the world such as Bonhams, Christies and Sotheby’s. He said: “We truly believe that now is the time to bring the very finest examples of high-end original paintings and sculptures to Stratford-Upon-Avon which is something that has been missing for many years, as well as bringing with it our wealthy clients.”

The Bradford Bulls Foundation is thrilled to announce a ground breaking partnership with the Morrisons Foundation and BEAP Community Partnership to introduce rugby to South Asian communities within Bradford. This collaborative initiative aims to promote inclusivity, physical activity, and community engagement through the sport of rugby. The project, which kicked off in mid-December, has gained significant momentum under the guidance of our dedicated community coach, Umar . Weekly sessions are held every Saturday morning from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the BEAP Community Partnership facility located at 31 Cornwall Road, BD8 7JN. Chris Chamberlain, CEO of The Bradford Bulls Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership and the positive impact it is having on the Bradford community already. He stated: “We are delighted to join forces with both charities to bring the joy of rugby to South Asian communities in Bradford. This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering inclusivity, teamwork, and a sense of community through the power of sports.” The Morrisons Foundation has been a key supporter of The Bradford Bulls Foundation’s mission to enhance community well-being through sports initiatives. Their generous funding has played a crucial role in the successful launch and ongoing development of the rugby programme in Bradford. Adrian Horsley, Morrisons Foundation Advisor said, “I’m delighted that the Foundation has been able to provide this donation to help children from deprived areas of Bradford access rugby activities. Without the support from the Bradford Bulls Foundation and BEAP, many children would otherwise not have the opportunity to participate in these activities. “Access to sport, health and wellbeing activities is vital for young people’s development; that’s why I’m so proud that through the partnership of the Morrisons Foundation, Bradford Bulls and BEAP we have been able to make a difference to so many young people from all across our local community.” BEAP Community Partnership, as the dedicated delivery partner, has provided a welcoming space for the rugby sessions, facilitating a positive environment for participants to learn and enjoy the sport. Bradford Bulls Foundation Coach, Umar, who delivers the sessions to kids said : “The kids are absolutely brilliant, good listeners and always want to learn more of the sport of rugby. It’s good to pass my knowledge on to the children of Bradford in regards to what I have learned of rugby from the Foundation and keep increasing the population of Bradford who play rugby, especially the south Asian community. It’s an honour for me to be apart of this project and I hope I keep on delivering informational and quality sessions to the children.”

A couple at a care home in Ilkley have had their dreams come true thanks to staff who arranged a professional photoshoot to recreate their wedding day photographs. 88-year-old Vera and 89-year-old Keith Skelton moved into Mayfield View, a residential, nursing and dementia care home in Ilkley in December 2023 – just a few weeks before they marked their 70th wedding anniversary. The loved-up couple, who married in 1953 have three children, four grandchildren and one great granddaughter who lives in Hong Kong. Staff were aware of the strong bond between Vera and Keith and wanted to do something special to mark the significant time spent together. Home manager at Mayfield View, Katie Cliff said, “We knew from the moment that Vera and Keith moved in that their love for each other was something truly unique." “We wanted to do something really special for them to recreate the happy memories of their wedding day – as well as arranging an afternoon tea party which we will host for them in the Spring.” Marion, a lifelong friend to the couple said, “Since I have known them, it is very clear that Vera and Keith can’t live without each other. They really are inseparable, and it is wonderful that they have been able to stay together and continue their love story at Mayfield View.” Home manager, Katie added, “With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, there is a lot of love in the airand we’re delighted to be able to help Vera and Keith re-live their wedding day together.” When asked what is their secret to a long-lasting marriage, Vera said, “Trust and love each other – we have always been so happy together, regardless of age.”

Birstall Golf Club, one of the oldest golf clubs in the county, has announced that Michael Reed has taken up his position as the new professional at the club. Reed is a former county amateur champion. He won the Leicestershire and Rutland county centenary year title in 2010 at Hinckley Golf Club, when he played a second round of four-under-par 67 for a two under-140 aggregate. Two years earlier, he had become the county amateur match play champion by claiming the Philip Wykes Bowl at Market Harborough Golf Club. He is a former assistant to his older brother Richard, the head professional at Glen Gorse Golf Club, who Michael said has been "very supportive" as he takes on these new challenges. The brothers are both former leading amateur members at Birstall and Michael said he was proud to be given this opportunity to go back to the club as the new head pro. He was not only a highly successful amateur, but he also did well as a professional when he joined the paid ranks. In his early years as a pro, he clinched the county PGA titles, including the stroke and match play crowns. He also became the Midland Open champion, winning the prestigious regional title at Birstall in the 2017 season. Michael succeeds David Clark, who has retired after being the club pro for 34 years. "I remember meeting David Clark when I first joined Birstall as a young amateur, so it is a tremendous honour to be his successor as club professional,” said Michael Reed. “I am pleased to follow in his footsteps. But I know I shall be very busy for the first few months as there are big plans under way now for changes to the clubhouse, including the pro shop." "Among the innovations over the coming months there will be a new junior academy when our bigger teaching area is introduced. We would also like to see more ladies at the club, both newcomers and more experienced golfers." "I am looking forward to being in a position to give lessons whether it is for new members, or for existing members looking to improve their current expertise at the game and develop their full potential to boost their individual playing programmes. This could be if they enjoy medals or knock-out games." "In a few months time, when I have settled in more, I will hope to appoint an assistant and look forward to competing this summer in more PGA events across the region - stroke play and pro/am tournaments. It will be good to be able to compete in the Leicestershire and Rutland Alliance with Birstall members too, when the fixtures restart later this month."