East Anglia HQ Traning Course@Taplow

Before even my arrival to Cambridge, the leaders in Cambridge invited me to attend their HQ (East Anglia) Training Course in Taplow last weekend (26-28/9). What a great way to start my new life in Cambridge and getting to know all the members in Cambridge! Although this was my first activity with the HQ, I felt really at home and welcomed by the memebers.

Taplow Court in a misty morning at 7am, yes, it was very cold!

This is where we have our accommodation.

Although this was my first mtg with the HQ, I was asked to perform Lilac (Byakuren) duty to support the course and be part of the action team. This is our Lilac uniform, black bottom and white top with red scarf. There were only 4 of us in the Lilac. Danielle (the tallest lady) was the Lilac Chief for the course. The 3 of us, me, I I from Taiwan, and Sanjutha from India (first left) were first time doing our Lilac duty!

It was entertainment time on Saturday night, where members sang, cheer, clapped, drank and have fun together.

Diana, Siong Hee and me presenting a Singapore gakkai song 'Grow Now Together'

Me and Diana from Singapore

Although it was misty and cold early in the morning, it was sunny through out the day.

Group photo before the closing ceremony.

Same as the previous training course I attended with the Wales members, there were a lot of small group discussions through out the course where everyone shared their experiences, voiced their views and raised questions. Ikemi Bayne, WD advisor, gave a study on Mentor & Disciple Spirit; she stressed that Master &Disciple spirit is not something that one can feel by using one's head, it can only be felt through one's heart. Pete Morris, Vice MD Chief, gave a study on Sensei's lecture on Shakubuku, and GD Robert Samuel conducted a Q&A session.

Last but not least, the most wonderful and inspiring part of the entire training course for me is that the members really open up their hearts to share what they are going through in their life, their reflection and realisation through the course, and how they prepare to face the challenges in their life.

I must say that after the training course, I am fully charged and ready to begin my new life in Cambridge!