Our 30th Celebration and AGM

Thursday 21st was a special day, we celebrated 30 years of regeneration, of making a difference to communities and individuals living in the most deprived areas of initially Fife and more recently Scotland. We were welcomed by Chair of BRAG Enterprises Iain Gow and we were transported to the late 80’s by our MD Brian Robertson-Fern. There were plenty of laughs when we showed an old video of BRAG students in the noughties, we then revisited those same students in a recent video where staff, students, clients, tenants and the remaining founder of BRAG all shared their stories and their thoughts on BRAG.

We then paid tribute to our former Chair and Co-founder Mr Willie Clarke who remained a pivotal member of BRAG until he sadly passed away last month. A minute’s silence was observed and then we played a video where trustees, tenants, students and staff shared their memories with us.

We then heard from Guest speaker Cllr. Altany Craik who also paid tribute to Willie and discussed the current challenges we are facing in Fife, universal credit, zero hours contracts and mental ill health being just a few. An awards ceremony followed for staff and trustees spanning the last thirty years. The winners were: 10 years outstanding contribution; Iain Gow – Chair and Trustee, Anne Hay – Trustee and Kirsten Spence -youth and Community Manager. 20 years outstanding contribution; Mary Nardone – Trustee, Ann Moodie – Youth and Community Worker and Stephen Nardone – Trustee. A 30 Years outstanding contribution award was given to Joe Paterson – Founder and Secretary, with a posthumous award with special recognition going to Co-founder and former Chair – Willie Clarke. Mr Clarke’s award was accepted by Trustee Stephen Nardone on behalf of the Clarke family.

 

It was then time for the AGM, we were officially welcomed by the Chair. New board members were approved and seconded. Iain also paid respect to the loss of two board members Ann Brown and Willie Clarke who both sadly passed away in the last year. MD Brian Robertson-Fern then discussed Operational performance, key business results, objectives for 2019 and beyond and presented the financial accounts for year end 2018/2019. Finally, the proceedings were closed by the board with acceptance of accounts, approval of auditor with a vote of thanks from Iain Gow for all attendees. The business was concluded and we had a lovely opportunity to catch up with old and new friends and colleagues. It was a fabulous event and we now look forward to the next 30 years!