Hello,
Not bad for a Monday morning, mild weather, good turnout, and a sense of motivation about the place. I’m just feeling a teeny bit stressed about getting the Annual Report finished and submitted to the Charity Commission, by Friday!
Late in the day some very sad news, Erwin James has died. Erwin stood up publicly for those – like him – who wanted to change their lives in prison and on release. Since 2012 Erwin had provided unwavering positive support to LandWorks, to me and to Julie. Erwin became a LandWorks Ambassador in 2016.
Tuesday and Dan one of our graduates (now a busy van driver delivering whatever, wherever) is calling in for lunch. I like it when folk come back to see us. Always great to see Dan. We’ve known each other for 9 years. He’s 34 now and one day (I’m sure) he will have his own trucking business.
Wednesday… The Annual Report is in its final stages and I’m off to the prison in the afternoon to visit Josh (blog)…
He’s okay, surviving, learning how to survive, which actually is just not okay. He is doing a lot of “bang up”. Locked in his cell for often around 20 out of 24 hrs. Limited family contact is putting terrible strain on his relationship. We hug to say goodbye, I (unhelpfully) can’t speak.
Thursday… Right, I really do need to get this report to bed. Ted our Chair of trustees has written an excellent opening statement, powerful and clear, well worth a read. On another issue, trustees have been sending emails and WhatsApp’s, supportive notes about Erwin. It helps.
Trustees play an important role at LandWorks. We have a small, dedicated group of individuals who bring a variety of skills and experience. I strongly favour a diverse mix of people. We meet 3 times a year and I update (possibly unusually) the group every week, sharing my thoughts and a weekly log.
To help continue our great work, develop, and grow LandWorks we need to keep finding good trustees. If you know of anyone who may be interested do get in contact.
Friday… A different sort of LandWorks day. Plymouth Uni are running an ‘Inside Knowledge’ course at LandWorks. Julie (it’s her course) explains it to me as people who have inside knowledge of the criminal justice system (CJS) explaining it to others…
So, this involves a group of LandWorks graduates and trainees working with a group of Plymouth Uni students discussing different (CJS) topics over 6 Fridays.
I’m not required.
So, I finally submit the Annual Report.
Please do read the report, and you may like to share it with friends, colleagues or even a potential new trustee.
Chris
1st February 2024