So here we go, my first ever attempt at a blog...

I’ve been sat at this desk now for 9 weeks and I know Phil has used the metaphor of a space shuttle, but I think a time machine is more relevant for me, as I’m not sure where those 9 weeks have gone! It’s all been a bit of a whirlwind so I’ll try give you some brief information about what I’ve been up to!

Training
I’ve now been fully trained to become one of your sabbatical officers! This has consisted of 3 in house training weeks, and a week away at an NUS training event. This has all been pretty exciting, from learning more of the inn’s and out’s of the union, to our excellent team building trip to Masham, and the fantastic networking opportunity that CASI 2011 provided, I know feel fully confident I can represent you, the students to the best of my ability! Special thanks here must also go to the 2nd year Sabbs and the staff at HUU for making me feel most welcome!

BUCS
In my third week I attended the annual BUCS conference in Leeds with Jez, our AU BUCS Rep, along with Dave (head of sport)and Steve (sports development manager) from the University. This was an interesting few days, coupled with some excellent workshops and networking, Leeds proved to be a fantastic venue, and their sports facilities were exceptional!

What I’ve Been Doing!
A-side from where I’ve been I’ve also been mega busy getting things sorted for the forthcoming year! So here’s a brief overview of what I’ve been up to work wise in the past few weeks:

• Sports Co-ordinator – The AU now has an improved staff support system with Vicky Dean being upgraded to a Co-ordinator! This is credit to the hardwork she has put in over the past few years, and she will now have increased duties and responsibility, along with being full-time during term weeks, and part time during holidays!
• Tour- Our destination has been set, we are returning to SALOU!! Watch out for some exciting Tour themed events that will be kicking off in November! In the meantime all the info you need is here - http://www.ilovetour.co.uk/tours/sports-tours/saloufest
• Website – The AU section on the website has had a major upgrade! I really want to ensure communication is current and efficient and keeps you all up to date for what is going on! I’ve had a number of new tabs added and more information will be going up by the day. So if you’re a club member, especially a committee member and you want something to go up there, drop me an email!
• Be A Champion – As part of the Olympic legacy, NUS are running a project called by a champion, and as part of this we will be electing an Olympic Ambassador in the Union. Watch this space for how to apply for this exciting opportunity!
• Hall Wars – Along with Mr VP Community I have been organising a huge sporting event to take place at the lawns for all you first years moving into halls in September, designed at showing which hall is the most superior!
• Kukri – We’ve sent of large numbers of kit orders, to ensure our teams are looking professional for the start of the BUCS season! Along with this we’ve also been working on an exciting new project which will see Kukri providing an online store for Hull Students to make buying leisurewear/stash/kit much easier!

I think that’s just about enough for now, as I need to get back to work planning various events for when all you students come back or arrive here for the first time! Freshers week looks like it’s going to be better than ever, and along with the Olympics not being far away, the year ahead looks more exciting than ever! If you’ve any queries or anything else, feel free to drop me an email - A.Armitage@hull.ac.uk and follow me on twitter - @Ash_Armo

Toodles!

Ash