Blogger’s block

No, I can’t blame blogger’s block, I’ve just been (a) too busy or (b) too knackered to face writing.

UC&R conference was fabulous all round but my feet didn’t touch the ground Tues or Weds, hence the blogging silence set in. How to sum up such a full programme? Great plenaries (especially good to hear from college Principals), inspiring workshops on everything from ethical influencing to edutainment and humour, quality networking with colleagues old and new, and a fab social programme. Tuesday saw me on the Magical Mystery Tour which took in Penny Lane, Strawberry Field and sundry Beatle birthplaces, ending with a drink at the Cavern. In the evening I spent a very pleasant couple of hours lambanana spotting with a handful of dedicated colleagues.

Wednesday was a packed day which included my own workshop joint with Carol Campbell-Hayes, entitled ‘With a little help from my friends: making the most of CPD‘. We had a dozen enthusiastic participants and the two-hander worked well despite only having the coffee break to discuss it face to face. By Weds night I was ready for a celebratory dinner at Liverpool Town Hall. Neither food nor venue disappointed - best ever Eton Mess and some rather good red wine - plus we were treated to an after dinner chat by author and screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce. OK so the DJ didn’t show up and the disco was rather dubious, but lots of great conversations made for a memorable evening.

Thursday it was a long wet journey home, with problems affecting both connections. Sigh. Eventually made it back and had to get straight into interview mode for Friday… not sure I was firing on all cylinders but we shall see.

Tomorrow I will stun everyone by actually going to work.