Although very excited about having received a scholarship to attend BABS Directors College 2006, I had no idea what would be expected of me. My biggest worry was that everyone there would be an expert leaving me to look as if I shouldn't be there. Also never having attended anything like this on my own before I was worried about not knowing anyone and having to spend the whole weekend on my own, but need I have worried? No. From the minute that I stepped into The Aston Court Hotel to register, until the Sunday night I found myself with friends old and new.

The Friday evening started with an excellent dinner, in fact all the meals throughout the weekend were excellent.

Saturday morning I arrived at Bablake School with shaking knees because although I now knew that I was among friends there, I was still worried about my directing skill (or lack of them.) But once again I found that I had no need to worry. Every session that I attended gave me more confidence for the next. Everyone one was very encouraging. I learnt lots of new skills and built on old ones.

Sunday morning came around and once again I arrived very nervously because this was the day that I was expected to direct Anvil Chorus and I was last person of the day to do so. My worry was that they would be very tired and fed up by the time my turn came around. Once again all the worrying was unnecessary. I was greeted by a lot of smiling and very supportive men.

Thank you for the Harmony Foundation Scholarship. I went home on the Sunday with many more skills than I had arrived with and with lots more confidence. I would just like to say to anyone who thinks they might like to go to next years Directors College but lacks confidence, go for it. I am hoping to attend again next year but with out all the worries that I took this year.

Jean Lord
Belles of 3 Spires - Coventry