LIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF DARKNESS

Letter from Lesley – 18 December 2020

I want to turn the tables a little this week and thank you for being there for me.

During this most difficult of years the Association for Project Safety [APS] has tried to let you all know that, no matter how hard the struggle or how lonely the road, the association is determined to be more than a faceless organisation and remains committed to supporting our members more as family than faraway colleagues. So we have been in touch and put on an increasing number of events. And we have improved our website so the path to our door is easier to navigate.

Over the last week we have welcomed back Laura Hardie to our headquarters team. Laura is someone many of you will already know but, if not and you get a call out of the blue, don’t be surprised. It is going to be her job to look to keep in contact, find out how we can help and keep communication flowing so we carry on improving what we do for you. We are delighted to have one of our APS family home in time for Christmas.

We are lucky to have her back and it brings home that, for many of us, this year will see fewer loved faces round the table. Hopefully, this will be a temporary thing but there are, inevitably, some of us suffering more permanent loss. APS has seen our fair share, personally and as an organisation. Cherish your memories! I will be looking back with love and gratitude while holding a little closer my friends and family and remembering those who are sad and alone – and struggling as a result.

We all need support and kindness. I have been very fortunate and this has made 2020 a year of unusual blessings as well as one of reflection. Not everything that has happened has been bad.

I want to thank our Board, Council and regional office bearers for supporting the association. They are the bones of what APS does - but the heart is found at HQ. 

I have some special thanks for the team: Nicola has been astonishing with her work on the new website but she also masterminds the back office and - with the ever calm and efficient Debbie - does a great job sorting out all the money so we can continue to do things for you; Sheena - often the voice of the association when you call up – is so much more: we couldn’t – and wouldn’t ever want to - cope without her or her organising meetings and myriad other little things; Raymond is still the baby of the bunch but will soon have been with APS for a year: his efforts on the webinars and other events have been amazing – he’s also an unsung hero volunteering to help others less fortunate over the holidays; and last, but never – ever – least, there is Carole who looks after, and out for, the membership and colleagues treating each of you and us as one of her own: she has a significant birthday this weekend so I am sure you would like me to wish her many happy returns from you all. 

We cannot do this alone so I also need to give a collective shout out to the elves who help in the background. Santa will be visiting them each in turn next week.

APS will be taking a break over the festive period. Doors will close on Christmas eve at noon but we will be back and raring to go on Tuesday 5 January 2021. I know we are all looking forward to a better year ahead.

So, all that remains from me is to wish you and yours a happy a safe Christmas and New Year.

Take care and we’ll see you in 2021.