ruralnet|uk news

Get your voice heard - the rural post office network - www.ruralaction.org.uk

Everyone has a view on the future of the rural post office network - but will everyone's views be heard? Perhaps you have a good idea on the future of the network; perhaps your own experience shows a vital aspect has been over-looked. Now there is a simple way to get your point across quickly and easily. The recent popularity in 'blogging' - contributing to a weblog or online message board - has inspired ruralnet|uk to set up a blog for this issue: a simple technique allowing thousands to add their personal comments to the debate. Over half of all UK homes have access to an online computer - as well as libraries, youth clubs, schools, day centres, UK online centres, and even some Post Offices! Anyone with an interest can visit the blog and leave their comment on the consultation questions, and read what others are saying.

ruralnet|2006 exhibition is a sell-out!

Rural charity ruralnet|uk’s annual conference is again set to be a sell-out event.

- All 30 exhibition spaces are now taken

- All 60 bursary delegate places funded by Defra and Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) have been allocated

- The last remaining delegate places expected to be filled this week

Geraldine Peacock speaks on the evolving contract culture at ruralnet|2005

From ‘cap in hand’ to ‘cap on head’ was the clear message delivered by Geraldine Peacock, Chair of The Charity Commission during a keynote speech at the ruralnet|2005 conference.

The fresh and inspiring session given by Geraldine from her unique position in the sector focused on the need to change from a donating to an investment culture.  She gave her perspective on the New Charities Bill (still with the House of Lords) and how the Bill will affect those working with and for charities when it becomes an Act of Parliament.  She specifically hopes the Bill will encourage new dialogue with stakeholders, the regulator, government, and the public and will provide an opportunity to ‘raise the game’.

Traidcraft confirmed as Conference Dinner Sponsors

ruralnet|uk is pleased to announce that fairtrade produce suppliers, Traidcraft are sponsoring the ruralnet|2005 conference dinner.

As the UK’s leading fair trade organisation, Traidcraft works with more than 100 producer groups in over 30 countries around the world.  Traidcraft has been helping producers from poor communities to work their way out of poverty since 1979.  They do this through trading with them directly, by supporting them with training and information, and by influencing the policy makers to pull down the barriers which stop the poor enjoying their fair share of world trade.

Traidcraft will support the event by supplying the venue with fairly traded wine and juice for all delegates attending the evening reception.

‘Calendar Girl’ Tricia Stewart to Address ruralnet|2005

Tricia Stewart, founder of the WI alternative calendar, is confirmed as after-dinner speaker at the annual rural development conference, ruralnet|2005.  This event is to be held in Bramhope in the West Yorkshire region.

Tricia, whose work is well known through the film, ‘Calendar Girls’, joined the Rylstone & District WI when she moved into the small village of Cracoe in the Yorkshire Dales in 1985.  In 1998, Tricia learnt that a neighbour and friend John Baker had been diagnosed with non Hodgkins Lymphoma.  Touched by his serious illness, she started plans to raise money for research into blood related cancers.  She also came up with an idea to produce a calendar, but instead of the usual pictures of sheep, hills and crafts, in this one the WI ladies would be nude!

Baring Foundation backs ICT Collaboration Project

Rural development charity, ruralnet|uk, has won £14,500 in its recent bid to the Baring Foundation, to support an action research project on ICT for collaboration. The funding comes from the Foundation’s ‘Strengthening the Voluntary Sector’ programme, and will help to develop an understanding of how ICT helps organisations work together.

National Association of Local Councils (NALC) launches new online networking

ruralnet|uk is today pleased to launch NALC Online – the new online network for the National Association of Local Councils (NALC).  This secure online area will be used by members of NALC throughout the UK to share information and access resources including Experts Online - the panel of experts who will answer questions on various topics, xPRESS Digest - the daily regeneration and funding news e-bulletin, and shared areas tailored to NALC’s needs.

A positive report for ruralnet|uk from the Charity Commission

In April of this year ruralnet|uk was visited (as part of a programme of random reviews) by representatives from the Charity Commission. ruralnet|uk has now published the resulting report in full online at: www.ruralnetuk.org/downloads/index.htm.

We would encourage people to comment on the report, or on the wider issues of the role of the Charity Commission or of the sector. You can do this by visiting the new ruralnet|uk weblog: click here.

New Rural Affairs Minister Supports Free Places Scheme

ruralnet|uk is pleased to announce sponsorship from Defra and The Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) of 50 ruralnet|2005 conference delegate places. These places will provide the opportunity for groups from the voluntary and community sector that would not otherwise be able to afford to attend to share their experiences and meet the decision makers and funders who influence their activities.

Experts Online is improved with new Financial Services & Childcare Forums

ruralnet|uk is pleased to announce that Anisa Laher and John Ditchfield will facilitate new Childcare and Financial Services Forums as part of the rejuvenated Experts Online.

Anisa has worked in regeneration in Leicestershire and London for many years, setting up and managing childcare facilities in schools, UK online centres and halls. Anisa will be assisted by Patrick Shore from ruralnet|uk, who has experience of supporting Childcare needs in a wide range of projects.

John Ditchfield, the Financial Services expert is an Independent Financial Advisor specialising in ethical investments. John, whose background is in developing credit unions and managing regeneration projects, works for Barchester Green Investment and is a member of Community Action Network (CAN) and the Personal Finance Society.