Introducing the new BDWCA "Virtual Regional Group"

[PamW]

As you know, we currently have six Regional Groups, but quite a lot of our members are too far away from these groups to attend their meetings.

The new "Virtual Regional Group" is the brainchild of one of those remote members - Sally Sanford - who has kindly taken on the role of "Virtual Group Organiser".  It all started with an email from Sally where she said:-

"I have an idea. (as my better half would tell you, madcap ideas are not uncommon!)
 For those of us who don't live near enough to get to one of the regional groups, and maybe aren't brave enough, or maybe just to appeal to more members, or think we live in places where there aren't enough other members to start a group.... I was really impressed with the group competition avocets at Bakewell....
How about starting an internet/website group.... so that we had a thread on the forum, and maybe had a monthly online chat / progress review - with photos/ questions/encouragement. Maybe we could ask other committee members (to start, it's just that they all seem to be really good carvers - when compared to us novices) to be willing to take a turn in answering group members questions - specifically now, about that black guillemot!! "

On behalf of the Committee, I would like to say we thought this an excellent idea, and now the group is in existence, has its first members, and a technical resource - with more carvers volunteering to help as I write - and plans to hold its first virtual meeting at the beginning of February!  It also has its own private section of this Message Board, and its own Chat Room, and hopes that some of its members will be carving Black Guillemots to enter in the Regional Group Competition at Bakewell in September!  Many thanks to Mike for getting everything set up here on the Message Board.

So, what do you have to do to join the Virtual Regional Group (VRG for short) or volunteer to give technical resource?

Well, you must be a member of the BDWCA (if you aren't and would like to join send an email to subscriptions@bdwca.org.uk and I'll send you the information).

All you have to do is post a reply to this topic saying "Yes, I'd like to join" and giving any other relevant information.  You will then be given access to the VRG area and Sally will send you her "Welcome to the VRG" email.

Congratulations, and Best Wishes to the New Group - and thank you, Sally, for getting it off the ground!
Pam

[hollybank]

Hi Sally,
Mike has told me about your idea and after testing my memory and computer skills to the absolute limit I have found the page.
I don't know if I can be of any help but am prepared to add my two pennyworth (that gives my age away) if it will help.
I have been a member since about 1990 but have not progressed any farther than intermediate level and now seem to be regressing to novice again. I help Sue Hird run the Northern Group which is small in numbers but big on enthusiasm, friendship and helping each other.
Best wishes and good luck with this venture,
Albert Holding.
p.s. Can't find a spell check so hope the spelling is OK

Hi Albert.  I've been working on a spell checker, you should now see a new Spell Check button when you write your next message. 
Best regards
Mike

[Sally Sanford]

hi Albert,
it will be great to have you on board, and welcome! I'll email you privately with more about the group.
and thanks go to Pam, Mike, the rest of the committee, and all the offers of help and expertise that are coming in.
It's brilliant, and the idea of a VRG has already gone from egg to fledgling!

best wishes
Sally

[geoff1salter]

Hi,  yes I would like to join.
I live in Spain and before moving I was chairman and editor of the BDWCA.
I carve here in Spain but have to purchase materials from David Clews as there are no suppliers in Spain. Wood is mainly pine and expensive.
Regards
 Geoff Salter

[PamW]

Brilliant, I hoped you would!
Mike is away this week so you won't see the VRG area on the board until he gets back, but I'm sure Sally will be in touch with you very soon 
Cheers, Pam

[Sally Sanford]

Welcome Geoff,
I hope you've already received an email direct from me.
The VRG's first member over the water, but that's the beauty of it - it doesn't matter where you are, you can still be an active part of the group.
Overseas members just need to remember that we will be working to English times - which currently means GMT, and I will try to remind myself to flag up when our clocks go forward and back to BST, over here in the UK.
Are you living in Spain full time? Bet the weather's better than over here!

best wishes
Sally

[DerekR]

Great idea Sally. Living in deepest Somerset, count me in!  Derek Richards

[Sally Sanford]

Welcome Derek,
I've emailed you more details, and look forward to chatting at the VRG meetings, and meeting you in person at the April day.
best wishes
Sally

[woodnutter]

Hi Sally, I would like to join the VRG.  Please send relevant details.  Thanks, George

[Sally Sanford]

Hallo George,
welcome, I've emailed you privately with more info about the VRG. It's great to have you on board, our numbers are growing!
best wishes
Sally

[GEORGE CUTTER]

What a good idea, I would like to join the VRG. I was  once a member of the Severn group but have found it difficult to keep in touch since moving to Mid Wales so I'm looking forward to hearing from you. Regards , George Cutter.

[tenbellies]

yes please.i would like to join.a new member joined at the bird fair last year and a complete novice.

[Sally Sanford]

hi George & Tenbellies,
welcome to you both, I hope you have received the email info I've sent to you privately about the VRG. I'm looking forward to the next meeting - and meeting you!
best wishes
Sally

[Terry]

Hi, My names Terry, a new member (this week,415) would love to join the group.
I live in kent and have not found to many bird carvers giving tuition, I have been trying to teach myself bird carving from books but would love some advice or instruction, any reccomended instructors or courses would be most helpful.

kind regards

Terry

[Sally Sanford]

hi Terry,
welcome, I've emailed you about the group, and I look forward to chatting next week.
the other thing you might want to try to access is that there is an association day on 5th April, with Derek Richards. It is in Somerset, depends on how far you are willing to travel......
let me know if I can help at all,
best wishes
Sally

[PamW]

Hi Terry

I have a copy of the current edition of Wingspan - our magazine for members - ready to put in the post to you tomorrow, that will give you some information, but to speed things up can send you the page about the Day with Derek Richards if you send me an email - pam@pamsway.co.uk

Re teachers, if you go to the website - www.bdwca.org.uk - and click on the Carving Courses link you will find the "members who carve".  I highly recommend Judith Nicoll, she taught me how to carve my first duck, and she's not too far away from you.

You might also like to come along to the Thames Valley Group meeting at the London Wetlands Centre, Barn Elms - the next one is on Sunday 13th April.

Best wishes, Pam

[MrT]

Sally
Having joined BDWCA earlier this yr Id ike to join the VRG. Am a novice carver but also a novice at this messaging lark! I have a few health problems which makes it difficult to reach local group and also slows down my carving productivity!
Look forward to hearing from you (Hope you get This!)
Alan

[PamW]

Hi Alan
I'm not sure if Sally is back yet from her holiday, so thought I'd just say a quick "Welcome" and assure you that you've posted this successfully!   Sally will send you an email about the group, and Mike (our Webmaster) will give you access to the "VRG Only" section of this Message Board.
I act as a sort of "technical resource" during the VRG Meetings, so once your access has been set up I'll send you my "easy way to access the meeting" information, and I'll be on line during the next meeting which is next Tuesday, 3rd May, at 8pm so will be able to help you if you have any problems getting into the Meeting Room 
Cheers
Pam

[Sally Sanford]

hi Alan
welcome, I've emailed you privately with more details!
and thanks to Pam for telling you that I was away on hols...back now. Must get back to carving, once unpacked, sorted things, got work back under control.....all in time for the next VRG meeting next tuesday - 3 June, 8pm, look forward to chatting then.
best wishes
Sally

[Claire.Williams]

Yes I would like to join the VRG, I'm probably a bit late tonight, sorry!
Claire