Delegates attending the recent NAPO conference and 100th AGM at Torquay’s Riviera International Conference Centre (RICC) were literally thrown in the deep end by organisers.
The trade union succeeded with its aim to get 100 people into the sea on the organisation’s 100th birthday.
Despite a wet and cold October morning, delegates got up early, stripped off and took the plunge into the sea from Torre Abbey Sands.
Kath Falcon, Conference Organiser for Napo, said: “The weather was a bit wet but it didn’t seem to dampen people’s spirits”.
NAPO is also a professional association and campaigning group working with probation and family court staff. The conference is held annually and attracts 700 delegates. NAPO first came to the RICC, Torquay for their annual conference in 2009 and this was their second visit to the resort.
Falcon said NAPO “pushed the boat out” at the RICC with some special evening events including a reception for all 700 delegates and guests on the night before the swim.
“It was a new departure for us – getting everyone together for a meal. Our members work hard at conference but they also party hard. Despite this they were well up for a charity fundraising swim early on the Friday morning,” said Falcon.
The ‘Centenary Challenge’ got 100 people into the sea and Nicky Harding, Conference Torquay Manager, said: “It is always exciting to hear of unusual initiatives that organisations arrange for their conferences while in Torquay, especially those that only a destination like ours can offer.”
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