Alex Harries's diary

(I wrote this last Friday, but I've only just managed to get this approved by the powers that be, so this entry's a bit late. Sorry!) 

Today's been my first day of doing Sabb-like things, although at the moment I think most, if not all of the incoming Sabbs are feeling a bit disconnected from reality as the reality of the position's responsibilities probably haven't quite kicked in just yet. It'll come with time though, I'm sure.

As part of our (gentle, at the moment) introduction, we sat in on the Board of Trustees' meeting today with the University Chaplain, Peter Jones, the Union's accountant bod, the current Sabb team, the two student trustees, Rena Ellis (the Union's Chief Exec), Jo Bower (Rena's secretary), and Tracey Anderson (the Financial Controller, aka Big Chief Bean-counter).

As a Trustee of the Union charity, it's each person's responsibility to run the business - much like a company director - in the spirit of the business. Because it's a charity, this means we have to make sure the Union is working towards its aims, which are basically to provide a range of support and opportunities for students (it's a lot more detailed than that, but I can't remember the aims, and since it's just gone 3am and I have an episode of Lost to watch, I'm sure you won't mind that I won't be looking them up just now...).

While the contents of the meeting aren't something I can discuss (on pain of death, so I'm told), Yorkie's Lux proposal got a mention and I have to admit I'm hoping that it will mature into a committed dialogue between the Union and the University to make the most of the Union's "fridge-with-a-light-on".

Personally, I suspect (ok, I hope) it might not take a lot more than some good "artist's impressions", and a well-thought-out assessment of what can be achieved for the money, to provide the University with a workable plan to create a truly multi-purpose venue. I don't think that our pedigree sound system and lighting rig (possibly the best in Pompey) should be the only highlights of the venue I can think of. Time, and a lot of work, will tell...

This evening, I attended the Pure:FM AGM. Blessed with possibly the largest committee in the world, the voting side of things took up most of the event's two-hours, with an awards ceremony - which ranged from the silly ("Worst mispronunciation of a performer's name" award) to the coveted ("Best show" award) - providing some expected and not-so-expected-but-still-rather-nice results for the night.

I can't remember everyone who was elected, so instead of upsetting any more Pure members than I already have tonight, I'll just say I am genuinely looking forward to working with them all next year. Pure can look forward to a strongly-led, experienced group of people with a wide range of talents, skills and knowledge running their show, and - but don't tell anyone - I've almost got the warm fuzzies about what I think they'll achieve if they keep the hard work up.

That's not to say I don't for a second doubt they will do their best to make my life a living hell, because I wouldn't have it any other way, and no doubt they will soon become sick of me thinking I know more about radio than I do - truth be told I would probably have difficulty identifying the business end of a microphone without some help... ;o), but I do hope that whatever happens, the next 15 months give Pure:FM plenty more achievements to be proud of, starting with the Societies' Carnival on May 11th (make sure you go - it's going to be great!!).

Ooh, one last ...