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NEU northern region hosted a Strike School during the autumn half-term break, at Beamish Museum in County Durham.
While members planned their Pay Up campaign and prepared for the strike ballot, activities for the children of participants included banner painting and placard making. Steph, a rep from Gateshead, said: “What a wonderful idea to make the training so family friendly. It was great to attend and bring my son so we could also have a day out.” PHOTO by Stuart Boulton
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Thousands of talented young musicians performed at the Music for Youth Proms at the Royal Albert Hall in London
A dazzling display of talent at MFY Proms
MORE than 3,000 young musicians performed at the Music for Youth Proms at the Royal Albert Hall on 15 and 16 November, which was sponsored by the NEU. The theme of the event was simple – young people make great music and this should be celebrated.
Students travelled from far and wide, none more so than musicians from Ukraine who are safely continuing their studies at the London Performing Academy of Music, showing an incredible level of bravery and commitment to music.
Rubik’s Cube, a special needs choir, was introduced by a student and the use of Makaton, based on sign language, alongside singing reminded us that music truly is a universal language.
Adey Grummet and Michael Henry led a collaborative creative project drawing inspiration from the excitement of coming back together for in-person rehearsals.
The Lincolnshire Massed Ensemble featured almost 500 participants, aged between eight and 21. The hall was filled with energy, and the soloists provided the audience with first-rate entertainment. The bravery of the younger performers was a reminder that music can help young people to become more confident.
Fifty NEU members each won two tickets to attend the performances.
Michelle, an NEU member from Yorkshire and Humber, said: “I was absolutely thrilled to win tickets. It was an incredible experience to watch such talented young musicians at this iconic venue. It was certainly an evening I will never forget.”
With a combination of arrangements and original compositions throughout the evenings, the talented musicians were a fabulous example of why every young person deserves a chance on this stage.
Debate, networking and CPD at support staff conference
THE delayed 2022 annual support staff conference will now be held on Saturday 14 January at the NEU’s head office in Hamilton House, London.
It will be the first conference to be held in person since the pandemic. The day’s agenda will include the usual mix of debate, networking and continual professional development (CPD). NEU joint general secretary Mary Bousted will address conference and then hold a Q&A session. A range of CPD workshops are available, in: n Pregnancy and maternity rights – results from the NEU maternity survey n Working with English as an additional language (EAL) and refugee children n It’s YOUR union: how to make sure your voice is heard n The curious case of ADHD – demystifying ADHD and common overlapping conditions n Assertiveness and positive behaviour management.
The conference will also choose a motion to be debated at the union’s annual conference in April.
It is free for NEU members and includes lunch and refreshments. The deadline for conference registration is 7 January.
n Visit neu.org.uk/event/support-
