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How very timely. As Chair of the NW Region (who admittedly was away on holiday for the last meeting -before any 'locals' start accusations) I too have been wondering how to reawaken interest in Regional meetings which are becoming visibly smaller. There are a handful of loyal stalwarts but very little sign of any of the younger or more recently qualified members of the Region. I think they must see the Regional meetings as increasingly irrelevant. I also think that the appearance of the RAC's (Regional Archive Councils) may have something to do with it as an increasing number of decisions which may once have been taken at Regional meetings are PERHAPS now being made elsewhere? (I merely pose the question).If the Regions of the Society no longer have any 'clout'or purpose apart from jolly socials perhaps there is no longer any need for them ???!!! I did consider having a meeting to discuss this very issue to which I thought I might invite one or two other Regional Chairs and/or Secretaries. This has not come to fruition because ironically we have a fairly 'busy' set of meetings with training issues and speakers lined up (thanks to our Training Officer). This may or may not 'attract' a wider audience than usual. There is I think still a role for Regional meetings - particularly for those lone archivists who perhaps would like professional contact and discussion. Regional meetings are of course also the means through which the voice of the membership should/could be passed up to the higher echelons of the SoA through our Regional reps. Just a bit of fuel for the flames on a Friday afternoon.... Helen Ford BG Group Archives %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%