By Gemma Fletcher

JCI Barnsley was on fine form when 5 of us made our way up to Aberdeen for JCI Scottish Conference! Not that we need an excuse to visit our twin Chamber, but when there is a conference involved then how could we say no! Having consumed 2 cups of coffee and half my weight in Haribo I was certainly ready for an action packed weekend by the time I made it to Scotland!

Doing what we do best, having arrived at the hotel I promptly bumped into the JCI UK contingent and we decided to see the sights that Aberdeen had to offer, or as it is known in Yorkshire, the pubs! Having spent the afternoon catching up with friends (including Mr Daniels and Mr Magners) we were on our way the public speaking and debating competition.

Having endured a strange model fish and some serious wolf-whistling through the debating competition we were confident that our twins would be successful winners of these competitions and made our way for some food before grabbing an early night ready for a long day of training and speakers.

Saturday provided team building opportunities with members learning how to break an egg, but in a really impressive ship (the breaking of the eggs was not the point, but we were all very good at it.) The afternoon was filled with guest speakers teaching up all about how to succeed in the business world.

Before we knew it, it was time to get our dancing shoes at the ready to celebrate Scottish success! Having had the pleasure of carrying out the twinning friendship speech I was ready to boogie the night away to some serious Celidh dancing, and yes I have the bruises to prove it! We were lucky enough to watch Aberdeen almost clean house with awards and it was also a great pleasure for me to see my friend and fellow 2010 President Arlene Smith receive a senatorship for her contribution to JCI. After a few more hours dancing, and a whisky that was older than me, we were all off to bed.

Sunday brought with it the opportunity to meet JCI Aberdeen's newest and youngest member in the form of little Abigail Mennie! After a much needed bunch and some sad goodbyes, it was time to JCI Barnsley to make their way back to sunny Yorkshire until the next time...