NADP Conference in Cardiff 2004

20th Anniversary AGM and Conference Saturday June 19th 2004

Held at County Hall, Cardiff, this was a very good meeting with over 60 members present. The proposed changes to the constitution and all the reports were approved and all Officers were re-elected. The Chairman is Heather Jackson, Vice-chairman is Ross Trotter, Hon. Secretary is Gill Hadfield and Hon. Treasurer, John Davies.

Executive Committee members are Stephanie Bowyer, Paul Tomlinson, Paul Hanmer, Gavin Macpherson, Geoff Brown and Norah Clewes.

At the start of the meeting Heather pointed out the flashing light fire alarm and position of the fire exits which was fortunate as the alarms went off just before the end of the meeting and we all safely filed out on to the terrace and enjoyed a bit of a walk and fresh air without any panic!

After returning to the hall and the end of the meeting, we had an enjoyable buffet lunch and time to chat and meet members from other parts of the country. The afternoon session started with a short talk by Bunty Levene on her memory of the start of NADP. Twenty years ago, through her work as a hearing therapist, she knew Martin Tiernan who had the idea of setting up the association. She helped to provide communication support during the early meeting by writing notes on an overhead projector.

Rea Podas from the ITFC (Independent Television Facilities Company) then gave a talk about the latest technology and prospects for sub-titling of TV and films. She said they are always keen to have feed-back from members as this helps them to improve the service. Rea would be happy to arrange a tour of the sub-titling unit in Acton, West London, for NADP members. Anyone who is interested in this should contact enquiries@nadp.org.uk

Finally there was a very entertaining talk by Maggie Hampson about Hearing Dogs and her own experience and how much her dog has helped and changed her life as a deafened person.

In the evening forty members and friends enjoyed a meal together at the Cafe Jazz in central Cardiff, thus concluding a very well organised day. Thanks to Gill Hadfield and her friend Gwen for a Welsh welcome!

AGM 2005 will be held in central London, 25 June.