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On Friday 13th 100 of the finest JCI Barnsley members past, present, senators, JCI regional and national members and members of the business community gathered together to see just if superstition existed. Thankfully the bad luck omen was foiled as the night was a fantastic success.

The night was centred on celebrating JCI Barnsley's success over the past 60 years, highlighting how members have achieved their goals and developed their skills thanks to JCI. The University of Huddersfield, Barnsley Campus had created a storyboard of all the photos gathered from the last 60 years to commemorate the anniversary, including newspaper cuttings from the 1960s right through to the present day. This was accompanied by a diamond theme running through created by local University student Michael Steer.

Senators Laura and Nigel Mackfall spoke as a double act, well, Laura was fully prepared with a well thought out speech, Nigel became an off the cuff speaker which I'm sure he learnt the art of through JCI and Extempore! Steve Bailey spoke of his time with fond memories of not only how JCI helped him develop, but how he gained life long friends. A wonderfully delivered impromptu toast to JCI Barnsley was made by Jonathan Stone, past JCI Wakefield member and it was clear that everyone in the room echoed his kind words of support and appreciation of JCI Barnsley.

2012 JCI UK National President Solveig Malvik spoke of her plans to build on the excellent foundations that IPP Allison Cowell had laid in 2011 and build the membership base across the UK. 2011 JCI Barnsley President Vicky Savage spoke of her year, the achievements that had been made and awarded members trophies as part of the formal awards ceremony. 2012 incoming President Kirstie Barnett talked of the challenge the chamber faces in 2012, the need to rebuild the membership base and made a plea to anyone who knows someone in need of all the benefits that JCI can offer, to send them to see us, and we'll help them achieve their goals. Kirstie also talked of the need to support members' developmental needs with a robust and cost effective training programme as well as the fun and social elements that JCI Barnsley is known for. The challenge for 2012 is to have 60 members by the end of the year, some would say, a ridiculous target but never one to shy away from a challenge Kirstie and her council are certainly going to give this their best shot.

The annual Heads & Tails game raised £400 for the 2012 chosen charity, Help for Heroes.

Once all the speeches and the awards were finished it was time for the partying to commence and the band, Rock and Soul Machine who had played at the 2011 National Convention played for several hours and entertained the crowds. The partying continued long into the night and one thing is for sure, JCI Barnsley is well and truly alive and kicking in 2012 and stand back anyone who dares to stand in their way!

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Each year JCI Barnsley recognises those members that have gone above and beyond during the year.  These members are recognised in January of the following year at the JCI Barnsley Annual Dinner.  Congratulations to all the 2011 winners and we hope 2012 will be as successful!

The 1st award of the evening was for contributions to Social Activities and this Barnsley member had organised many social events this year from Comedy nights to the Wharfdale quiz. The winner of the Sarah Ford Trophy went to Richard Grange.

The 2nd Award of the evening was for contribution to community activities and the winner of this award as not only contributed to JCI Barnsley 2011 chosen charity BIADS but also on a National Level she took on the role as National Community Director and achieved many success one being the national penny wars . The Bernard Walk den Trophy went to Gemma Fletcher.

The 3rd Award of the evening was the Catherine Berry Above and beyond award, the winner of that award had not only dedicated her time to JCI Barnsley but has also had a National Board role as Administration Director. She has been responsible for many roles but the award is for the above and beyond support during Regional and National Award evenings. The Catherine Berry Award went to Debbie Tills.

The 4th Award of the evening was the JCI Aberdeen Friendship Quaich for contributions to International Activities, The award went to a JCI Barnsley member who is not only happy to travel up and down the UK to attend events but also jumps on a plane to attend international events. The JCI Aberdeen Friendship Quaich award went to Gemma Fletcher.

The 5th Award of the evening was to recognise one of our long standing Patrons as we all know good patrons are vital to the success of any chamber. This Patron is patient and flexible and always supportive the winner was Ardsley House Hotel as the 2011 Patron of the year.

The final award was the Keith Lax Trophy, This JCI Barnsley member has been a driving force in creating a long term action plan for JCI Barnsley. But at one eventful local leaders weekend she was inspired to become the 2012 JCI Barnsley President. The Keith Lax Trophy went to Kirstie Barnett.

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JCI Boston hosted the Yorkshire Regional awards ceremony at the New England Hotel. A historic occasion as it was the first time it had been hosted outside the Yorkshire Border. The Dinner had a theme of ‘discover the countryside' and attendees had the pleasure of spending the evening with a life size scarecrow.

JCI Boston did a fantastic job of hosting, and Tracy Anderson and her team were rewarded with 5 winning awards on the night including Most outstanding contribution by an Individual for Tracy and Most Outstanding Leader for JCI UK National President and Bostonian Alli Cowell. JCI Sheffield won 10 awards, including Most Outstanding President for Kate Senter. We had our own success winning 2 awards, I was delighted to receive a Certificate of Merit for Most Outstanding New Member.

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An opportunity to gather in our posh frocks and dinner suits could mean only 1 thing...... a JCI annual dinner! This time it was JCI Sheffields turn to host current and past JCI members and senators at the Holiday Inn Royal Victoria.

JCI Sheffield has celebrated a 182% membership increase in 2011 and this is thanks to the enthusiasm and drive of President Kate Senter and her hard working council team. As the wine flowed and the cheese was passed around, Andy McMenemy, guest speaker put most of us to shame as he talked about his challenge to complete 66 ultra-marathons in 66 consecutive days, despite enduring an Achilles heel injury which started in Bradford, only the second ultra-marathon he was to complete.

As the night progressed Kate praised her members and council for their commitment during the year and rounded off her speech by launching the JCI Sheffield Ap, the first interactive Ap from any chamber across the world. "There's an Ap for that" can now be heard all across the region, and now the world after JCI Sheffield were invited to attend World Congress last week in Brussels to discuss their technological breakthrough in the JCI world.

WELL DONE JCI SHEFFIELD!!

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The winners were-

Sam Brown- Contributions to Social Activities

Debbie Tills- Contributions to Sporting Activities

Kirstie Barnett- Contributions to the Community

Vicky Savage- Best Public Speaker

Alan and Lynn Fletcher- Contributions by a non-member

Barnsley College- Outstanding support by a Patron

Kirstie Barnett- Best new member

Vicky Savage- Best member

Helen Soutter- Presidents Trophy

Photo's of the award winners presentations can be found in the Photo Gallery.

WELL DONE TO ALL!!

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