Music for Health Annual Seminar: Sunday 10th April @ Field Place, Worthing

As one of the newest Local Directors, this was my first time.  I didn’t know what to expect.  With the seminar not due to start until 1 pm, my friend and I arrived in Worthing around 10 am.  We scoped out the destination and then drove onto Worthing seafront to make the most of the beautiful summery weather.  I liked the idea of arriving at the seminar with sand between my toes and salt in my hair – of bringing that fresh energy that wild swimming invigorates us with - but my swimming costume didn’t come out of the bag once I saw how far out the tide was! 

Where's the sea gone?

  Instead we walked along the promenade into town and found the Salvation Army setting up outside Costa’s.   We bought coffee and sat in the shade enjoying the music for spiritual health, and just as I might encourage others to do, I sang along lustily to the hymns and choruses I knew.

Salvation Army in Worthing 

Field Place is an 18^th Century Manor House set in eight acres of well-kept grounds.  We arrived a little before one and strolled through gardens in their spring colours, busy with the sounds of birds and bumble bees. 

Lunch was a cordial affair, a chance to put names to faces as I met other Local Directors.  We munched our way through the grand banquet spread before us, the buzz of small talk overlaid with the strains of music played by Sally Whitaker on her full-sized harp.  From time to time my gaze would wander to the intriguing collection of small gift boxes on a card table near the stage.  What could they be?

The full programme included guest speakers such as Sue Mason, an Activity Manager, who confirmed the benefits of the Music for Health workshops for her residents.  Angus Ewing provided Neuro-Linguistic Programming tips on ‘anchoring’ ourselves in the positive, on creating an inner resource we can draw on when we’re facing doubts or fears.  Cathy Steinman from Age Concern shared her passion for ‘enabling’ people – not doing for them what they can do for themselves.  For example if an elderly neighbour needs shopping, much as it might be easier and more convenient to do it for them, Cathy would encourage us to go the extra mile and support our neighbour to participate in the shopping trip as this is potentially of much greater benefit.  In between the guest speakers, MfH Local Directors shared their talents and Helen demonstrated how to use our props with panache.

It was a lot to pack into one afternoon.  At last, revived and fortified with a final plate session followed by tea and cakes, the mystery of the gift boxes was revealed – there was one for everyone, a small but luminous gift of a mechanical torch to remind us not to hide our light under a bushel.   Thank you, Helen, David and all my fellow Music for Health team for welcoming me into the family.