Some new blood is sought for the coordinating group of Cochrane Ideas that has continued to provide a forum to discuss a wide range of topics for two decades.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings, Cochrane Ideas has suspended its forums for now, but its organizers are looking forward to the day they can meet again.

In the meantime, three members of its coordinating board have decided to retire after many years of service, opening up the possibility for new people with new suggestions to help continue the popular speaking series.

Leaving are David Sweeney, a key member of the organizing group for 15 years; Andy Marshall, a Cochrane resident for 36 years who recently moved to Calgary; and Heinz Unger from Benchlands, also with a long history of community service.

Continuing to serve on the committee are Cheryl Hardy, born in the Cochrane area and a volunteer with many local groups, and William Hawkins, a Cochrane resident for about three years with a broad range of life experiences.

Leslie Davies, also a lifetime Cochrane resident with a strong record of compassionate leadership, has already agreed to be the newest member of the team.

Cochrane Ideas, though, is hoping to continue with a coordinating team of five so there is a less-than-onerous workload.

Marshall says it's a loose-knit group of people and the only qualification to join the coordinating team is a desire to promote the exchange of respectful, knowledgeable, and yet rigorous positions on a wide range of subjects.

"What the group does is we brainstorm for ideas. Each different person has a whole different circle that they're aware of, so we bring ideas to the group," explains Marshall.

They take turns arranging a guest speaker, make arrangements for the night and introduce the guest speakers. 

Speakers and discussions over the past 20 years have focused practically on any topic you could imagine. Social, economic, environmental, political, historical, creative, artistic, personal, gender-based, religious, and spiritual topics have all been part of Cochrane Ideas.

He says they have been fortunate to have a wealth of people who live in the Cochrane area with a vast variety of experiences and expertise to share.

Ideas does not advocate for any particular position or course of action, according to its current mission statement. But, it does promote the chance for people to express their viewpoints and be heard.

Since the turn of the century, Cochrane Ideas has held monthly sessions from September until June. A variety of formats, from formal lecture and presentation style, are encouraged, followed by questions and comments, to open, round-the-circle discussions. The group has set up panel presentations, as well as a traditional debate format, with those present voting for and against particular motions.

The sessions are free of charge, although donations are accepted to cover, like hall rental.

Crowds have averaged 40 to 50 people. The number of subscribers who receive automatic notices of Ideas events is now more than 250.

Anyone up for a fun and rewarding time on Cochrane Ideas is invited to contact Cheryl at cahardy2001@yahoo.ca, William at wbhawk26@gmail.com, Andy at marshallca97@gmail.com, David at dpasweeney@gmail.com, and Heinz at unger.heinz@gmail.com.

To read more about Ideas and past events, click here.