Holidays in Spain

Almost one hundred and fifty celebrations of "Moors and Christians" take place over the length and breadth of Spain. The origins lie in the battles following the re-conquest in the 16th and 17th century. As early as the 17th century, groups of "Moors and Christians" drove through town, accompanied by noisy bands. A "battle" ensued with skirmishes and dances, ending with the triumph of the followers of the Cross, who surround the Moors and defeat them. Then it's conversion or death for the Moors, and finally homage to the patron saint of the town. Everything goes on amidst the noise of fireworks and the ringing of bells. This was the case in Moraira where I went on holiday to my villa in Spain for two weeks. I have enclosed some pictures of the groups including Richard the Lionheart as leader of the Christian Crusades. The fireworks are unbelievable. I spent a relaxing time with three different sets of guests. The swimming pool temperature was 30 degrees centigrade!

The 5th International Conference in Mumbai

The conference title and theme was called Global Retail Logic or Magic. I attended last year’s conference and this one was even better. The organisation was fantastic and so professional. Well done Siva and the committee for making such as successful day. Although the monsoons had started that day and certain flights were cancelled there were still 300 delegates. Students from UICT University and College of Home Science, department of textiles and Fashion technology, volunteered as helpers, made the day complete. Well done everyone!!

The speakers were also excellent and you will be hearing all the detail in the Colourist and on the SDC website soon. We saw speakers from Ikea and H&M as well as our own Derek McKelvey and Phil Patterson. A panel answering specific questions ended the conference and was a wonderful educational experience. The theme was best practice and compliance. The lead speaker from Ikea, Mark Astley, actually came from one mile away from where I live in Stretton Warrington, how amazing was that.

Now we are on to the next conference in China on July 23rd to 25th July.

A very special saree

I wanted to honour the Indian SDC by wearing India’s traditional dress at their annual conference. Rakesh, the managing trustee, asked his wife Saloni to help. She did a brilliant job so I thought I would show you the saree. I am indebted to Saloni for making my dream come true and making my conference day special. I shall talk about the conference later, but thank you very much Saloni and Rakesh and I wish you well in London at your daughter's graduation.

A message from India

There have been difficulties getting onto the internet at our hotel so I haven’t been able to report as quickly as I wanted to. The first day in India, 2nd June, involved Ken McGhee and I meeting with the trustees of the Mumbai region. We discussed the progress of the two regions and the Indian charity SDC CE. All the hard work of the chief operating officer and the trustees have ensured a successful two years of operation, with increasing membership and respect of industry. I thank them for their professionalism and hard work.

It looks as if it is going to be a full house at the conference on the 6th June with over 300 delegates

Next year’s global conference was discussed and it was decided to hold this in Goa on 25th to 26th June 2009. The second global fashion competition will be held in 2009 with the winners from regions around the world going to Goa as finalists ,where the gobal winner will be announced at the gala dinner. More news later