A Whirlwind Trip to London

ISTD President, Peggy Spencer MBE reports on an enjoyable visit to ISTD HQ and shares her views on the Strategic Review

Leaving Kings Lynn on the train with my daughter Helena was the beginning of quite a challenging and adventurous day. Because I had been so poorly during the previous months, I had not ventured down to London for some time, and on the journey I began to recall my days in Penge, when I went into headquarters for meetings at least once a week, and treated it as part of my daily life.
From Kings Cross we taxied into Headquarters and were welcomed to a meeting of the Heads of Departments, introduced by ISTD Cheif Executive, Julian Amey. Some of course, I already knew, but for others it was great to put a face to the name and a voice on the phone.

Afterwards, we were invited into a Faculty Board Meeting, with many of my colleagues taking part. It was great to see them and brought back memories of sitting at that big table when I was on some of the committees, and was able to contribute.

Then after saying my goodbyes, it was off to have a lovely lunch with Julian to hear some of the details of the Strategic Review. This is, of course, very welcome, because, like every other organisation, the ISTD must up-date in order to keep up with this fast moving world.

The research undertaken has been very realistic, and hopefully will keep the ISTD as the number one dance society.

After enjoying a very rewarding day, meeting new friends, old colleagues and hearing all the news over a beautiful lunch, it was back to King's Lynn. I am now looking forward to the Grand Council and ISTD luncheon in December, when I hope to join you in London again.