2008 Conference Feedback

Stephen Rockcliffe, delegate:
"When I was driving to the Conference on Saturday morning I was wondering if it could possibly be better than the first conference two years ago. That was some act to act to follow but somehow you managed to achieve the impossible... I thought the speakers were all outstanding, I particularly enjoyed Mr. Jeyathurai's talks as these have changed the way I am thinking about Singapore. Also I really enjoyed Sears' brief look at the Theatres especially as one of the images was from the camp at Omuto where my dad was held! I will never forget the talk by Fred Seiker - simply stunning!!"

Peter Thompson, journalist, author and guest lecturer:
"Please pass on my grateful thanks to your team for a splendid conference. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the other delegates and participating in the talks and the other activities.
Your Olympian efforts as chairman kept the whole thing on track, while a member of your team was always on hand to give guidance..."

Jack Chalker, FEPOW and war artist:
"...it was a rather wonderful day... I had the chance to have time with Sally Grumbridge, to see her folio and her exhibition and was immensely impressed with one particular painting - the vertical painting of a glimpse of the outside world through a narrow gap in the box truck door. This, for me, having experienced this horrific journey from Singapore to Thailand as a POW, was a singularly sensitive and so well understood a translation and evocation. I felt this was a real achievement and it was only too evident from the exhibition that it could only come from considerable depth of research and understanding."

Midge Gillies, journalist, author and delegate:
"I can't thank you enough for the weekend. It was such an enjoyable, moving, stimulating and inspirational event. I met so many wonderful people and learnt so much. It will stay in my mind for a long time."

Gordon Smith, FEPOW, lives in the south of France and launched his book at the conference:
"I am now safely home and all is well. I enjoyed the Conference in every way and was very glad to see and hear all the subjects treated. I must thank you for the help we had in the production of this event... The Times has borne fruit during the weekend for sale of the book, but it has produced results which seem to me to be remarkable. I found talking to Rod Beattie a pleasant task and hope that eventually I may be able to see the result on CD."

Garry Smith, Curator of Manchester Regimental Museum and delegate:
"I just wanted to thank you and the rest of the organising team on a truly superb weekend. The quality of the speakers and their enthusiasm for their subject was inspirational ...it has been a total joy to discover such a wonderful body of people, researching, analysing and publishing such a range of material on a subject that should not be forgotten... I discovered so much more about the FEPOW story, literally from within minutes of being at the conference..."

Stephanie Hess, delegate:
'The Conference was wonderful! I came away from the weekend feeling that it was absolutely more than worthwhile flying up from South Africa to attend.'      

William Jones, delegate:
"Thank you for organising another terrific conference; it was a privilege, and great fun, to be at Alrewas at the week-end... what a fantastic job you did! All the lectures were excellent and I particularly enjoyed Jeya's talk on Saturday in which he addressed the crucial questions of why Britain and Japan were at war and why things went so wrong so quickly for the Allied forces, and so how there came to be so many FEPOWS....The two days inspired me... many, many thanks to you all, the speakers and of course the veterans, for a great conference."

Anne Wickes, delegate representing the WWII Experience Centre, Leeds:
"I attended the weekend’s conference on behalf of the Centre and would like to congratulate you on an excellent and rewarding event. The speakers were all first class (in particular Fred Seiker stands out, his talk was very powerful and moving),as was the organisation. Many thanks indeed, I really enjoyed it."

David Tett, author and guest lecturer:
"Thank you all for another hugely enjoyable and successful conference. The mix of emotion and laughter with all the amazing research worked well again. You all got it right - well done and thank you... it would be a great pity if the history and research was not given the impetus and dissemination that the conference provides. Its also a great opportunity to meet up with people one hasn't seen for a long time... Thank you all for an uplifting and enjoyable experience. Heartiest congratulations and thanks."
 
Jeannie Pattinson, delegate:
"Simon and I would like to thank you very much indeed for your part in the organisation of the Researching FEPOW History Conference last weekend. Many congratulations - it was such a successful, informative and helpful experience. You obviously put in an amazing amount of work - before, during and afterwards - and all so very worthwhile and much appreciated by everyone. I know I was bowled over by it all."

Rosemary Fell, delegate:
Just a let you know how much I enjoyed the Conference.  It was really fantastic, and, if I may say! - much better without the workshops this time.  The speakers were all excellent, and I think all our MVG members enjoyed it too.
 
Philip Dawson, delegate: 
I thought the conference was most interesting, and look forward to the next edition. Any chance that there could be something more on the civilian side next time, even though not classified as POWs?

Sally Grumbridge, artist and delegate:
I wanted to tell you just how much I enjoyed the weekend and the whole conference.  It was so well planned and organised; every talk was fascinating and I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity of meeting so many FEPOWs. What amazing people they are.
I would also like to thank you for all the help and support you gave me in organising my exhibition.  It was appreciated.

Alistair Urquhart, FEPOW:
"May I congratulate you on the excellent work, you did at the FEPOW Conference, this past week-end. Thank you, for all the help you gave to the speakers, and others, which made the Conference such a success."