NNPM CONFERENCE REPORT

Members of the Arundel & Brighton Music Committee and a group of friends from the Diocese (pictured) attended the NNPM Conference which was held at Birmingham’s Newman College in July.  The theme of this year’s ecumenical conference, which was organised by Sue and Stephen Dean (Decani Music), was United in Praise and it brought together approximately 280 delegates from all over Britain as well as well known musical composers as Christopher Walker, Marty Haugen and Bill Tamblyn. 

Inspiring talks and discussions on the plight of the African people and their struggle with Aids, HIV and the National Debt were given by keynote speakers among them, the Right Reverend Dr John Sentamu, Bishop of Birmingham and Father Joe Komakoma from Zambia. Tina Beattie, who was born and educated in Zambia, was able to give an insight into what it was like to be British growing up in Africa amid the dichotomy of the political turbulence, poverty and yet undying spirit of its people. 

The conference culminated in a public concert on the Saturday evening led by Jo Boyce of CJM Music who together with performances from other drama, music and dance groups helped raise funds for several charities including Christian Aid and Aids Relief.