I can’t believe it was over a month ago I was in Malta at the 2014 European Conference, and what a brilliant conference. The sun was shining, there was trainings, workshops, business visits, community events, a few parties, a gala dinner and even time to relax by the pool!

I was joined by a number Barnsley members and our very own Debbie Worthington is the 2014 International director who did a fabulous job coordinating the UK delegation. The major highlight of the conference was…

 JCI BARNSLEY WAS SHORTLISTED AS ONE OF THE TOP THREE CHAMBERS IN EUROPE! 

What an amazing achievement! Very proud to be your deputy president. The UK also picked up 3 European awards and was shortlisted in a number of other categories. Well done, JCI Southampton, Michael Steele, and Mark Smith on your awards.


The JCI Barnsley delegates celebrating being in the top 3 chambers in Europe 

So what did we all get up to in Malta:

Ben took part in the European debating competition, along with Ilona from Sheffield and Ricky from London. They were a strong team and worked their way into the final which was against Scotland. The final was an entertaining battle but Scotland debated their way to victory. 

Debbie and I visited the Playmobil factory, they made the figures in the Maltease factory. We saw how they were put together and got our very own special edition knight. I also went on the General soft drinks business visit, where they produced drink brands like Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta. I met the famous ‘Polar bear’ and saw the production line that produces thousands of drinks a day.

Joe was our athlete, he competed in the football tournament and played for any team short of a player. He managed to play 3 games back to back!!! Debbie then joined him for the Row for Nets, which saw them in a relay style race!

Emma threw herself into the training and was recognised at the JCI UK pre gala drinks as the most fresh faced delegate.

Emma, Debbie and Joe went on one of the sightseeing tours around the ‘three cities’.

The opening ceremony emphasised the history of the Maltese knights, the morning show got us dancing, the keynote speakers inspired us, the parties entertained us and the gala dinner… an open air venue, brilliant band and proud to be part of JCI UK.

Thank you Malta for a great experience! So who’s coming to world congress in Germany? Want to know more check out the website http://www.jciwc2014.com/

Tracy Anderson
Deputy President