Candidate Statements

Statements of candidates that were elected to the EC in May 2008

Candidates for Officers' positions require six assenters from any region, whilst those standing for Regional Representative positions require three from their own region. Brackets show assenters' regions and Executive Committee involvement ie (EC) stands for an Executive Committee member during 2007-2008 and (PEC) for previous Executive Committee member.

VICE-CHAIRMAN 2008 - 2010
David Ogilvie (11-EC)

Assenters: Patricia Cowling (Europe-EC), Margaret Stobirski (08-EC), Alec Jones (11 -PEC), Jean Swetnam (02 -EC), Maureen Bowman (07 -EC), Patricia Pennycook (06 - EC)

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: I graduated in 1986 and since then have been an active member of the Association. I have served as Regional Representative for Region 11 (Scotland) and in other capacities including Vice-Chairman and Chairman. Following my co-option as Vice-Chairman last year, I am now submitting my nomination for election to that post.
The Association is now a well established body with an excellent reputation within the University. This position has not been achieved without commitment from the officers and members of the Executive Committee. There is much consolidation still to be done and initiatives to be followed up. The Association needs to increase its membership further and to enhance its usefulness to members. If elected, I shall do my best as Vice-Chairman to promote and support this work, bringing experience of the years I have been privileged to serve on the Committee.

DEVELOPMENT OFFICER 2008 - 2011
Patricia Cowling (Europe -EC)

Assenters: Jean Hertzog (07-EC), David Ogilvie (11 - EC), Margaret Stobirski (08 -EC), Patricia Pennycook (06 - EC), Matt Reville (12 - EC), Gabrielle McKenzie (11 - EC)

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: Having spent the past four years bringing the financial side of the Association back in line, I would like to continue with my practical support of the Association and I am therefore asking for your vote for the position of Development Officer.
I have held many positions in AOUG from local Representative through to Chairman so have a good working knowledge of the needs of the Association and its members. The criteria of a Development Officer is a challenge I would like to take up, to give support to the regions in whatever way is needed, taking into consideration the diverse nature of the regions in terms of topography, membership numbers and facilities available foe local events.
If elected I shall endeavour to deliver my promises.

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE - London (01) 2008-2010
Eric McKinnon (01 - EC)

Assenters: Thelma Lobo (01), Patricia Randle (01), Margaret Brett (01 - PEC)

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: The Open University gave me the opportunity to develop my career, the confidence to become a Chartered Engineer and the ability to grow and take on new business challenges.
My working life started as an Apprentice with BT in 1968, then the GPO. In 1994 I left BT to become a Design Engineer for the cable industry and in 1997 set-up Engineering Technology Management Limited to provide technical support for an American Company, a department that delivers training for employment to the Armed forces.
Now I have an opportunity to make a contribution to the OU and I would like to do this through supporting the AOUG membership. I would welcome the opportunity to be nominated for the Regional Representative for London and celebrate in the future success of OU students, making them welcome to join the AOUG.

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE - South (02) 2008 - 2011
Colin Reed (02)

Assenters: Jean Swetnam (02 - EC), Don Bastin (02 - PEC), Linda Brown (02 - PEC)

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: I joined AOUG at my Graduation Ceremony in 1998, and I have been the Oxford area Local Contact for the past few years. I have also twice deputised at Executive Committee meetings for Jean Swetnam, the retiring South Representative. It is with some diffidence that I put myself forward; Jean will be a difficult act to follow, but she has promised me her full support.
If elected, I will try to build on my predecessor's good work and, when (if?) I get "up to speed" in the post, help groom a successor. Next year is both the fortieth anniversary of the OU and the twenty-first of AOUG. I would welcome suggestions from members for suitable events to be held in the South Region to celebrate those milestones. Indeed, I would welcome any input from members regarding events for the next three years but, be warned, I believe in delegation!

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE - South West (03) 2008 -2011
Elizabeth Mount (03 - EC)

Assenters: John Eaton-Terry (03), Jill Harrison (03), Gordon Bennett (03)

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: I graduated with honours in 1993 whilst living and teaching in Alderney. I was unable to go to University on leaving school due to family circumstances, so I am very grateful for the opportunity to gain my degree with the Open University. I joined AOUG on graduating, but whilst living on the Channel Islands, my involvement was confined to paying my subscription and receiving OMEGA magazine which kept me up to date!
Now fully retired, and living in Devon, I am able to become more involved and since February 2006 I have been the contact for the Exeter group, and since my co-option in July, I have been 03 Regional Representative. My aim, if elected, would be to form more groups throughout the 03 region and maintain existing groups. I have been ably supported by members of the Exeter group, and have witnessed how much AOUG is appreciated.

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE - Wales (10) 2008 -2010
Howard Reeve (10 - EC)

Assenters: Michael John Fenton (10 - PEC), Austin Bickers (10 - PEC), Jennifer Cronin (10)

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: Having been co-opted onto the Executive Committee last year as Wales Representative, I now welcome your endorsement for a further two years. During this last year I have endeavoured to ensure the Association maintains good contacts with the OU here in Wales. We have also had a short programme of activities for members that I hope to expand in the future. To do so I am always open to suggestions. Above all I welcome your active support in keeping the Association here healthy and active.