The month of November is now complete and it’s fair to say that Storming is not just confined to Students’ Unions but is also experienced elsewhere. But as with all organisations, you have to storm to really perform, and the minimal storming I experienced will hopefully stand me in better stead with the performing!

So here was my diary for the first part of November:

3rd – Disability and Sport Day in Bradford

A superb day where we were able to highlight the issues facing disabled students in access to sport, and also allow officers to see what they can do! (I should point out that although my team had the best Boccia – a Paralympics sport similar to bowls - player, Richard from Swansea College, we came last in the tournament!!)

5th – Travel 7 hours to Manchester ready for Regional Conferences

6th – 9th Regional Conferences in Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Canterbury

It was very strange being sat on the other side of the table having attended every regional conference of my region for 4 years (Yes I’m a hack), but I did enjoy meeting officers and enjoy being questioned about what we are doing. I ran the Mature Students Workshop every day and it was great that this was well attended and people are starting to take notice of Mature Students in their Unions, please do follow this up with us and get your mature student reps involved with the National campaign

13th - Meeting with BUSA (for the latest on myself and BUSA see next blog), then Imperial Referendum

14th – National Council, Loughborough

I was a National Councillor last year representing the Areas my views on it can be found at southeastnus.blogspot.com in the archives and although this year it was slightly better there are still huge flaws with National Council. This has to be looked at as part of our democratic reform. I received a Commendation from the West Midlands for the work I have been doing on Sport and increasing participation, so thank you for that.

15th – Imperial Referendum

16th – Imperial Referendum, then Night Walk at Reading.

Well done to Nickers and the Reading team for putting together the event and highlighting the issues of student safety at Reading, and there are some huge issues I know the team are taking forwards.

20th – NUS HQ

Part two of my manic month follows soon and if you have any questions feel free to drop me a line

Cheers,

Richard ‘Bubble’ Budden

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