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The ICCM Journal | Summer 2020 | V88 No. 2
education seminar 2020 student reports ‘What a great way to spend time away from the workplace but work so hard’ Kevin Watkins – Assistant Operations Manager, Southend Borough Council As a new student wanting to make a start on the ICCM diploma, I cannot think of a better way to get going.
Setting off from Southend after lunch on the Wednesday to the Hillscourt Centre near Birmingham, collecting all my bits together and loading the car not really knowing what to expect. I travelled through the rain and sleet and arrived just before 3pm. Really good journey. Signed in at reception only to be made aware the bar didn’t open until 6pm Off to my room a disappointed Kevin. Unpacked my clothes and turned on the television. The time for a well-earned beer arrived, so I went to the bar and was very surprised by the cheap bar prices, so I had a couple!! I had a nice meal and went back to my room. Thursday approached and I started to get nervous with the thought of not knowing what to expect. Trying to eat lunch when you’re nervous isn’t good. I spoke to a few people that I knew which made me feel much better. The opening seminar was really interesting with speeches from Julie from the ICCM and Sue from the Stratford Business School about how the seminars were set over the coming days. Things were starting to get easier. After lunch we split into our groups for the different subjects and met the tutors, by this time I had calmed down and was ready to go. My group tutor was Mat Crawley focusing on the Cemetery Management module. We had the smallest group only eight of us. I introduced myself to my partner James who was from Clacton, his first time at the seminar as well, so we were both in the same boat. Mat set the plan for the rest of the day, at this point I thought HOW MUCH WORK? We set about our tasks and
once we got going we were fine, plenty of chat between us, discussing what we do at Southend compared to what he does at Clacton and then compiling our answers. Computer problems – Lesson learned have a backup plan! We worked on assignments until about 5.30pm. When we headed back to our rooms, a quick shower and change and in the bar for evening meal and then Blue Donnebaer’s quiz. This is no normal quiz, forget about general knowledge and think 1, 2 or 3. BUT it’s fun and a laugh, not too serious with good company and making new friends along the way. The evening meal was excellent, really good food with a good choice too. Back to room after a couple of beers by now I was really tired. Friday – this is where the hard work begins. Starting with breakfast at 7.30 am and then off to our groups at 8.30am to finish assignment 1 and get moving on with assignment 3. This didn’t sound achievable BUT believe me, a long day was well spent! Stopping for regular hot chocolate breaks and the occasional pastry or two , and lunch of course. We worked hard together until 6pm, the bar was calling and after another excellent three course meal, it was time to complete the quiz. Time for bed I thought……….. Saturday – Breakfast wasn’t until 8.00am, then off to complete assignment 3, with only the morning to go, it was going to be tight but we made it. We then went back to the main hall for feedback sessions given by ICCM and Stratford Business School. Two assignments done and two distinctions, I was very happy Just to sum up my first Education seminar…….. These are the important things to remember. • • • • •
Everyone started at the beginning Everyone is so friendly and willing to help Excellent food ICCM and tutors are excellent Exhibitors are always happy to give advice
It was almost disappointing to leave on Saturday afternoon for the journey home!
Cemetery management tutor Mat Crawley
So, would I go again? YES To make new friends, see old ones, have good fun and get my assignments done.
