Page 44 - NACC – 2018 Yearbook

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THURSDAY 5 OCTOBER
The middle and main day of the TDF started bright and early at 8am with breakfast and exhibition viewing. Little did delegates know at the time that their hearts and minds would be moved quite so much by what they experienced later.
Following Neel Radia’s opening
address, we were invited to listen to a
play spoken by its author, Brian Daniels,
and a group of professional actors seated
on the stage with no scenery and no props.
The play, ‘Don’t Leave Me Now’, is inspired by
two real life stories. It explores with humour,
compassion and insight, the impact of early
onset dementia on two very di erent families;
highlighting the emotions, dilemmas and challenges.
At the end of the performance several moments of stunned
silence were followed by loud applause and cheering and, in many cases, the hasty wiping away of tears. I noticed that one of the actors had shed a little tear, even after some 120 UK performances. Altogether a hugely impressive and memorable start to our proceedings.
The remainder of the day was lled with interest with three bang-up- to-date workshops and several focused culinary demonstrations.
Two well-delivered addresses in the main auditorium were a feature of the afternoon session. Sarah Wren, the chief executive of Hertfordshire Independent Living Service, spoke passionately under the title ‘Upset the Apple Cart – or Crumble’, showing how disruptive innovation could dramatically improve health and social care services. And, Simon Spoerer, the CQC’s design team leader, spoke on ‘Nutrition and Hydration in CQC’s Regulation of Social Care Services’ and described how the commission monitored and assessed the requirements.
Throughout the day, delegates had ample opportunity to network, visit our exhibitors’ stands and to simply sit down and think – all the while, being appropriately fed and watered.
And so, to the evening for the awards and gala dinner; this year
a celebration of thirty amazing years. I’m always keen to see how Billie Moore’s creativity and design air are brought to bear on the setting. Pearls and pearl colours against black backgrounds looked absolutely stunning and so fitting for the occasion. Roger and Mary’s choice
of menu was perfect. Add to this a superb ‘Big Band’, which
even encouraged this reporter, usually in bed by then, to stay up
to enjoy. All this and the awards presentation itself, ensured an unforgettable evening.
FRIDAY 6 OCTOBER
The nal half day provided the perfect, not-to-be-missed send-o from the forum.
What better than to be inspired and encouraged whilst sitting down to an excellent brunch? Our motivational speaker, Nigel Risner, is one of the very best on the circuit. His well-reasoned core message, delivered with humour as well as his unconventional manner of engaging his audience, provided one and a half hours of sheer enjoyment and solid learning. Thank you, Nigel.
All good things come to an end and in his closing address Neel Radia thanked all those responsible for the success of the NACC TDF. Those outstanding contributors are listed overleaf.
Here’s looking forward to NACC TDF 2018. Don’t miss it!
Top: One of the topical workshops
Below: Exhibitors engage with delegates
Main image: Cookery demonstration
Opposite page from top:
Exhibitors engage with delegates; Mr and Mrs Bev Puxley; Awards dinner; NACC networking party
Throughout the day, delegates had ample opportunity to network, visit our exhibitors’ stands and to simply sit down and think – all the while, being appropriately fed and watered.
NATIONAL EVENTS, AWARDS & INITIATIVES