The highlight of the day however was the presentation of trophies. I was awarded the Linda Street Spirit of Eighteen Plus trophy, I was so choked up I couldn’t speak.

Below is Iain Parkes’ first Plus Video Podcast featuring the National AGM

PLUS AGM 2009 on YouTube

After hastily getting dressed, packed and checked out of the hotel I set off to find a bus to town.

I found a bus stop and there was a quarter of an hour to wait so using my iPhone Maps feature I set off walking.

After turning on to a main road where there was another bus stop and only two minutes to wait I caught the bus which passed very close to my ultimate destination: xscape.

I arrived at the bowling alley just before the games started and was met by Geoff of Lincs Quest Group who was a bit annoyed that the competition was individual rather than the usual team format as he and the team had come to defend their title.

http://www.plusgroups.org.uk/a/rothwell

Earlier that evening Alison had let me know that a prospective new member was expected and when I arrived I was pleased to be introduced to Sue.

Alison had another bit of good news, Plus has finally been de-registered for Corporation Tax, thanks to Alison’s hard work.

The highlight of the meeting was the discussion on the National Annual General Meeting 2009. East Anglia Area had put forward a tender that was more or less complete and the National Finance Officer had information on various venues but not a complete tender. The outcome was that Northern and Midland Areas would be given additional time and an e-mail vote would be organised.

I had been invited by Karen but not by John, who I’ve known longer.

I arrived early at O’Neill’s but Dave, Jonathan and Warren were alreay there, I joined them and had a sad discussion with Jonathan about hid disillusionment with the union that he said had lied to him.

When everyone had arrived, including Karen who showed off her engagement ring we went off to Spice Quarter, we had a drink in the bar as we had to wait for a table.

In Kings Lynn I had lunch at a pavement cafe, a look round and a brief visit to the Tourist Information Centre where I found a leaflet on Ely and decided that Ely looked like an interesting place to visit.

I caught the next train to Ely, had a look at the cathedral, Oliver Cromwell’s house, the shops and the river.

I called in at the Ely sports centre for a shower and a shave for £1.00.

While walking along the river a steam train passed by on the railway line running near to the river.

Unfortunately there was a delay just outside Leeds and the train arrived just in time for me to meet up at 3:30.

We all went on a short bus journey to the Weston Park Museum, a very large Victorian building with pillars where there was a special Space Age exhibit.

The museum was very child friendly, the exhibits were accessible and fun covering mainly history and natural history. The Space Age exhibition was full of nostalgic items from science fiction and fact.

We walked back into Sheffield city centre calling in a couple of pubs on the way and finishing with an evening meal at Jumbos. Afterwards we had a few more drinks and then caught the train home.

Katy had volunteered last year to produce a National Directory that was much appreciated.

I managed to smooth things out.

I liked one suggestion that there should be something (someone?) in place to stop members who don’t stick to pre-arranged plans . . .

Maybe something like this army officer who steps in.