Conference 2009 roundup
2009's annual conference was a sell-out for
NCMA. The conference, in Leeds, was a great success with
delegates enjoying the mix of plenary sessions, interactive
workshops, and exhibition stands.
On Saturday morning delegates were welcomed to the conference by
NCMA’s Chair, Susanna Dawson and heard from NCMA’s President, Dame
Gillian Pugh.
They were followed by keynote speaker and international author
Annabel Karmel (pictured signing her books, above), who gave an
inspirational and heart-wrenching talk on how she used the grief
from losing her first child as a catalyst for improving children’s
lives through healthy eating.
Delegates were then able to participate in their choice of
workshops, which included:
- practical ideas for improving physical development in
children
- building a healthy future for children and families
- advice on working towards the best inspection outcome
- sharing books and rhymes
- communicating effectively with children
- baby signing.
During breaks delegates were able to explore the variety of
exhibition stands, stock up early on some Christmas goodies and
take advantage of the special offers available. The ever-popular
tombola and raffle raised over £1300 for the Gail Hall Memorial Fund.
Delegates were then welcomed back together by Andrew Fletcher
and Catherine Farrell, NCMA joint Chief Executive, who spoke about
the work that NCMA has done over the last year, including an update
on progress with last year’s resolutions. Then followed by this
year’s Annual Policy debate, which was a lively discussion where
all the resolutions were passed.
The conference was capped off with a dinner dance where
delegates dressed up, got their party shoes on and danced to I love
to Boogie, by T-Rex, and many more hits. Photos
from the dinner dance, can be viewed and purchased here.