Midland Circuit Society

I am writing this bulletin shortly after the Summer Solstice, one of the turns in the light’s tide. That seems as good a vantage point as any from which to survey not only what has been, but also what is to come, in 2025, for the Middle Temple Midland Circuit Society.

With Master Blondel Thompson serving with great cheer as our Chair, the Midland Circuit Society continues to meet, in well-attended numbers, both online and, when opportunity allows, in person. The life of our Committee and the liveliness of our meetings are made better by having such engaged and engaging judicial and student representatives serving upon it, namely Her Honour Judge Evelyn Bugeja and Susan Guest, respectively.

The composition of the Committee is reviewed at each meeting to ensure that as diverse a range of voices as possible continues to be heard. They include, but are not limited to, all ranges of Call, career progression and of course, points of the compass from around the Midland Circuit.

To grow the number of those who participate in events, we have reflected on feedback from a recent online survey of all members of the Inn based in the Midlands region to get comments on the current event offering and to help us determine what types of events – by cost, day of the week and format – would assist in maximising attendance.

As a membership organisation, we have also sought to encourage a new generation of engagement by refreshing those who serve as Chambers Representatives (a rewarding role) and shifting to more informal, cost-effective gatherings, including a curry night.

From close to the inception of the Society, it has been a great boon to have Cath Bygrave, Membership Officer at the Inn, as the behind-the-scenes administrator and ‘mopper up of matters arising’ from our near-quarterly meetings. We now benefit from having Antonia Reeves, appointed at the turn of the calendar year as Membership Manager of the Inn, in a similar role and keeping us honest! Our great thanks go out to both of them.

All this activity is geared to what the Committee continues to focus on – enhancing engagement and fostering connections not only with the Society but most particularly the Inn itself. To that end, City Socials have been sponsored in the early Spring, and plans are well-advanced for our Annual Dinner, likely to be held in Birmingham in late September. Or, to end as the bulletin began, close to the Autumn Equinox, another temporal hinge in the year. 

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