Accommodation - Hotel

The accommodation was great. Being away from the college was good as it gave a mental separation from the events of the day. The only negative about the hotel was the breakfast situation. It appeared that they were not prepared for the numbers. Having a communal area was great, allowed delegates to unwind and socialise easily.

Catering - at the college

The food was really nice, and very varied. I would hope that the same arrangements are retained for future colleges.

Training sessions

There were some really good opportunities for training and development within the curriculum of the college. Learned a lot form the 'masters'.

The practical sessions - which involved the learning, practice and demonstration of directing skills were excellent. The tutors were very knowledgeable and extremely patient with all pupils. There was a good balance of demonstration and practical involvement. Since the weekend, my chorus has mentioned that my confidence has increased and that they find it easier to follow me.

Discussion groups - these were (on the whole) very interesting and informative. They allowed an insight into matters and situations that face the executive, which one would not always be privy to. They also prompted good discussions some of which, I know have already been taken on board and are being addressed. These were very encouraging and interesting to be a part of. Hopefully the information I gleaned from the discussions and the results of some of the discussions will benefit many people.

'Management' sessions - these were not a favourite part of the weekend for me. I felt like I was back at work - not what I do a hobby for! Felt like we were being asked to treat the hobby as a business. It's a hobby!

Chorus sing - this was good fun. It allowed a little escape into something different. It also allowed the group to see the directors 'doing their stuff'. Great!

Enrolment and Management

Timetable - VERY confusing, not sure if this is the usual way the timetable is done, but there were many people who didn't know where they were supposed to be and when. Maybe this was because of the problems that occurred during the weekend.

Enrolment - Very good generally. Perhaps a couple of communication problems with some delegates, but these were minor problems and considering the amount of work involved I think that it went very smoothly.

Management - Excellent. The challenges that were presented to the management of the weekend were, to say the least, unexpected and major. I think that the weekend went virtually without incident other than these events and would like to express my thanks to those involved for an enjoyable and informative college.

Summary

I had a thoroughly enjoyable and informative weekend which will help me assist my CD better than I would have if I had not attended.

I was very happy to be involved in discussions about the future of the hobby and the way things are run.

I hope that the scholarships continue and that they prove to be as useful to other recipients as it did for me.

Thank you.

Andy Foster
Telfordaires