Team changes at warning zone

We’re all recovering from a hectic week at the end of March which saw WZ staff heavily involved in fundraising events; the L Factor at Leicester University on Thursday with an audience of 1000 and a Casino evening on Saturday at Oakham School.  L Factor raised around £50,000 for Warning Zone and the Lord’s Taverners while the Casino cleared around £7000 for WZ funds.  A big thank you to those who were involved in the organisation of both of these hugely successful evenings.

Of course, at the same time as staffing these events, we are running important “learning for life” sessions for Year 6 pupils day in, day out.  This can only happen because of fundraising and we rely on events, both small and large, to keep bringing in the money.  We particularly would like to develop some high profile events in the county area of Leicestershire so if anyone has an idea and is interested in taking the lead on such a fundraising event, please contact Vimme at Warning Zone.

Other news about the governance of the charity is that we have a new Trustee appointed to the Board.  Helen Johnson is Managing Partner and an experienced Criminal Law Solicitor at Emery Johnson Astills in Leicestershire.  Helen was President of the Leicestershire Law Society last year and chose Warning Zone as the benefitting charity for her fundraising events.  We are really fortunate to now have Helen’s experience and differing perspective on our governing body.

Don’t forget, Easter will soon be here and it’s not too late to book tickets for our Cup Cake and Cake Pop making sessions on Wednesday 23 April (see the website for details).

Finally, a goodbye from the author of the Blog on the Frog (that’s Alan if you didn’t know who was responsible).  After almost 9 years with Warning Zone I’ve decided it is time to move on and get on with the rest of my life.  Warning Zone has been a huge part of my life since 2005 and an immensely satisfying experience too. 

Not many people get the chance to sit down with a blank sheet of paper and help create something like WZ once, let alone twice!  I will remain a firm supporter and “Friend of WZ” as the staff, trustees and of course, the volunteers continue to develop this valuable local resource for schools and others who wish to encourage a sense of personal and social responsibility in our future generations.

My last day is the 2nd May and interviews for the new Volunteer Co-ordinator take place on 7 April so watch this space.

Finally, a tribute to the volunteer team, without whom WZ couldn’t exist…

Teaching Assistant to WZ volunteer at the end of a session with a fairly challenging group;

“And you do this voluntarily!?”