That was the year that was

A review of the last board year from April 2005 to February 2006.

April 2005

April was one heck of a month for EJCC. The new board had just begun to realise what they'd let themselves in for, except for those who were putting together The Outstanding Young People Awards (aka TOYP) and the JCIS National Conference - since they already knew!

Prior to TOYP and the National Conference we held our AGM & Dinner, to acknowledge the contribution of EJCC members for their service over the previous 12 months, and to present the 2005/06 board to the EJCC membership.

You can see a slideshow of images from the EJCC AGM here.

TOYP
This event organised by EJCC and JCI Dundee saw young people from all over Scotland being recognised for their outstanding contribution in their field.

Insert list of TOYP nominees here please!

You can view a slideshow of photographs taken at the TOYP Ceremony here.

JCI Scotland National Conference
April also saw Edinburgh playing host to the annual JCI Scotland National Conference. We had guests from all over Scotland and beyond, some of whom were very famous - John Lennon, Marilyn Monroe and Albert Einstein among others. OK it was really James Corcoran, Grace Burns and Sheelagh Frame as some of the stars of the Friday Night Fancy Dress Party, held at the International Apex Hotel.

The following morning, we all gathered at The Hub (OK some of us managed...) to see the Business Session, with keynote speakers sharing their thoughts on the Conference Theme, of "A Modern Scottish Enlightenment".

This was followed by the final of the JCI Scotland Public Speaking Competition, an all female affair:

• Aberdeen: Aileen Woodger
• Edinburgh: Ali Lynch
• Glasgow: Anne Brady

Congratulations to all of the competitors, especially Ali who was adjudged to have been the best speaker.

Then we made our way down to in the beautiful City Chambers for a civic reception with the Lord Provost, Lesley Hinds. We also had the pleasure of the company of JCI President 2005, Kevin Cullinane from Cobh in Ireland.

In the afternoon, we had the option of some training, kindly provided by People Matters and Enhance Business Coaching.

Then the evening arrived, and at last we got to put on our glad rags, kicking off with a champagne reception in a tropical rainforest and next to a real glacier. OK, it was at Our Dynamic Earth but the Champagne was most welcome, as was the Gala Dinner which was gorgeous. Then we had the National Awards Ceremony presented by JCIS National President 2005, Katie Ridland and JCI President 2005, Kevin Cullinane.

Here are the winners - thanks to everyone who took part.

• Golf Competition: Tom Monteith (Glasgow)
• First Timer Competition: Helen Flatley (Galway)
• Debating Competition: Team B (Glasgow)
  • Geoff Garret
  • Susie Miller
  • David Inness
  • Alison McMahon
• Best Debator: Patrick Hughes (Glasgow)
• Public Speaking Competition: Ali Lynch (Edinburgh)
• Inter-chamber Co-operation: Edinburgh
• Best Project: Burns Supper Gala 2005 (Edinburgh)
• Best Programme: Business Affairs Programme (Aberdeen)
• Ness Friendship Quaich: Moray
• Best New Member: Neil Ritchie (Edinburgh)
• Best Member: Lesley Fowler (Edinburgh)
• Meritorious Service Award: Brian Turnbull (Edinburgh)
• Best President: Mel Harris (Edinburgh)
• Best Chamber: Edinburgh

Then we got down to the serious business of having some fun, and danced the night away, and then we had a wee surprise for our guests, we were bussed from Our Dynamic Earth by Club Class bus (with mirror balls included) to the International Apex Hotel for a bit more drinking. Some of us went home in daylight. And then missed the training on Sunday morning, however many did make it for two excellent sessions from The Happy Hour and Dale Carnegie.

Once more we'd like to thank everyone who came to Edinburgh last April, from near and far - we're sure it's a weekend few will forget. Just in case you have, we hope these photographs will jog your memory!