WGUK Newsletter

We are now approaching the half way stage of the 2007 season and I would like to congratulate all guards on their contributions so far. I have below included a number of things for your consideration and information as which move towards Finals.

Squires
Squires Colour Guard have announced that, following the sudden bereavement of their Director Robert Gillett, they have withdrawn from the remainder of the 2007 circuit. On behalf of the Board and membership of WGUK we offer our deepest sympathy to Robert’s family during this difficult period.

Finals 
The WGUK board decided at their last meeting to follow a similar format to recent years with regards to the day’s layout. Unlike last year however, class winners will be able to carry out a repeat performance but will not compete within the next class.

This year, the finals programme will include the traditional year book and therefore guards are asked to ensure that they send any information they wish included by 10th March to the address above. Photographs will be taken at some shows throughout the season, but guards are also asked to send in by email any additional photographs for consideration by the same date.

You will be pleased to know that tickets sales are now on sale; these can be purchased direct on line or by downloading an order form from the WGUK website.

Critiques
The whole critique procedure, and the issue of continuing with both the pre and post critique periods, is now under consideration. Guards are asked to send any comments either for or against the continuation of critiques to judges@wguk.org.uk by 20th February.

Elections 2007
Nominations forms for Board membership and Elections of Principal Officers are being distributed during February 2007; it is intended to hold the elections, as in 2006, at this Years Championships event. These forms will be sent out to all organisations and must be sent back to address above by the 20th March 2007. 


Long Service.
Guards are reminded that this will be the last year of Long Service awards being presented by WGUK directly. Any guard wishing to nominate members for these awards should do so by February 20th 2007, these will be charged at £1/patch. 
NO awards will be acknowledged after this event.
Continuous Service with Individual guard and WGUK.
Bronze 5 years. Silver 8 years. Gold 10 years. Diamond 15years.

WGI Regional
Guards are reminded that there a number of slight differences in the rules for the regional competition. The major difference probably lies in the area of Authorised Guard Equipment. Because the WGUK circuit does not include this clause within our show rules, the WGUK board have agreed that if any penalties are issued for a breach of this rule, then these will be reallocated prior to the score being used for the WGUK seedings.

Registrations
Guards are reminded that the last day for registrations is the 28th February 2007.

Championships Programme
As previously announced there will be no WGUK Yearbook this season however this information will be incorporated into the 2007 Championships Programme. Guards are asked to supply copy for this publication by 10th March.

Season so far
The WGUK board introduced a number of changes for the 2007 season: wristbands to replace passes, changes to registration process, cadet registration fees and relaxation of the T&P role to be more supportive to name a few. We would be very interested in any other changes the new Board should consider for 2008 and whether you believe these changes have been beneficial. Please send any comments or ideas to board@wguk.org.uk.

WGUK Code of Conduct
Guard Directors are requested that all members and supporters are aware of the WGUK Code of Conduct and reminded that WGUK deems the Guard Director responsible for the behaviour of both their guard members and supporters. 

If you have any queries regarding the enclosed please do not hesitate to contact me, but in the meantime my very best wishes to you all in the lead-up to finals and I trust your guard members will have both an enjoyable and memorable day.

Mark Gutteridge
WGUK Chairman

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