History

East Midlands Approximate Area

The region was formed in 1993 in response to requests from many secretaries who had been originally allocated to the Midland and Yorkshire Regions but who had found that the distances involved in travelling to regional functions were excessive and they were unwilling to attend regional events. Brian Harris, the Secretary of Sleaford, with assistance from Keith Brader of Seacroft Golf Club made representations to the National Committee and with the guidance of Ray Burniston, the National Secretary and Bob Lanyon, the National Captain, the establishment of this new region was approved. The inaugural meeting was held at Blankney Golf Club on Tuesday 29 June 1993 and 18 secretaries attended. Keith Brader was elected as first Regional captain with Tony Morgans as Captain Elect. At the Spring Meeting in 1994 the membership had increased to 39. There was a steady improvement and by 2002 the membership had reached its present level of circa 120 (comprising approximately 90 serving and 30 retired or unattached secretaries). Our members come from clubs in Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, East Derbyshire, East Leicestershire and parts of Northamptonshire.

Regional Meetings are held in the Spring, Autumn and Winter. A New Year Luncheon follows the Winter Meeting. Meetings comprise a business element in the morning which always includes presentations on current matters of particular interest to serving secretaries. A golf competition in the afternoon is followed by dinner and a prize presentation.

There is a Guest Day normally held in August when secretaries are encouraged to invite their Club Captain or Committee member.

We also enjoy alternate venue matches against the Yorkshire, East Anglia and Midland Regions.

Members find that these regular get-togethers provide a useful forum for the exchange of ideas and the solving of problems, which can occur even in the best-managed organisations! Regional members also have access to a GCMA Regional group WhatsApp facility which continues to prove a quick, very useful sounding board for issues which come up during the working day. It's also a very useful communication tool.

The Region requires an annual subscription which is reviewed annually by the Regions Steering Group and is £20.00 for 2019 to cover administrative and competition costs, an additional charge of £10 is charged in the 1st year of membership to cover the cost of a name badge. The Subscription year is from 1st January to 31st December and is collected together with the national subscription.