On an unseasonably warm and bright April day representatives of the Association’s Branches arrived at Tortworth Court in Gloucestershire from every corner of the UK for the annual Branching Out event.
Several branches have welcomed new faces in recent months, so Stewart Wardrop, CEO, ran through a strategic update and welcomed the new branch reps. Stewart’ presentation was followed by updates from the marketing, finance and training departments of the Association. Then Alan Rowe from the Cornwall Branch gave a fantastic talk on how to grow your branch, following Cornwall’s outstanding growth over the last 18 months: the branch has doubled its membership and runs regular events. Its Winter Seminar in 2018 attracted 70+ attendees, but then I suppose winter in Cornwall – not so bad!
After a quick tea and coffee break we welcomed our guest speaker. Luan Wise is a chartered marketer, with almost 20 years’ experience in agency-side, client-side and consulting roles. Speaking on the topic of social media use, she aimed to dispel uncertainty about social media and promote the power it can have when used in the right way. The branches were all encouraged to make use of their Facebook pages, so have a look for your local branch on Facebook and follow them.
After a delicious lunch and the presentation of Nobby Clarke’s (of Western Branch) Fellowship membership (see page 11 of the ARB Magazine Issue 185 or click here), the afternoon was filled with Branch updates and suggestions. The Association’s HQ team are very keen to assist the branches in any way we can, so we were pleased to hear so many ideas. None of the branch activity would be possible if it wasn’t for the dedication and commitment of the volunteers, so a big thank you to all involved.
The event was positive and inspiring, and that isn’t just my opinion: Jacqui Waring from the Scotland Branch said,
“It was a brilliant Branching Out event, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Met some great people and I’m impressed with the positivity!”
Having attended three of these events now I can attest to Jacqui’s comments. We are excited about the future and the branches are raring to go.
Luan Wise gave a presentation on social media use.
Ready to branch out?
If you would like to get involved with your local branch please head to the Association’s branches web page at www.trees.org.uk/Branches for contact details or email Emma Hall at emma@trees.org.uk.
This article was taken form Issue 185 Summer 2019 of the ARB Magazine, which is available to view free to members by simply logging in to the wesbite and viewing your profile area.