Celebrating the Past and Embracing the Future

The CSA welcomed its members to Winchester for its 101st Annual Conference in May 2022. The Conference was two years in the making, as a result of the constraints of the pandemic. Originally scheduled for May 2020, and with the theme of ‘Working Together for Choristers’, much of the proposed content centred around safeguarding and welfare. These subjects remain of paramount importance, and as such they still feature prominently in our seminars and discussions. The experience of the past two years has prompted a root and branch review of why we are doing what we do, in every aspect of our lives. This is the theme of our first session, and as the CSA, we continue to celebrate the past and firmly embrace the future, even though we do not yet know all that lies ahead.  

The CSA’s Chair, Clive Marriott, comments that “firmly rooted in the Christian faith, the CSA acknowledges the strength and constancy of its heritage, which has inspired and nurtured generations far and wide. But in a fast and fleeting world in which equality, diversity and inclusion must be authentically embraced, the CSA needs to demonstrate a commitment to change to ensure its vision and values remain relevant and fit for purpose. This year’s conference, meeting in person to rekindle old friendships and make new acquaintances, provides an ideal opportunity for us to strengthen our hope for the CSA and its future.”

CSA is grateful to The Pilgrims’ School, Winchester College and the Cathedral for hosting a full and varied programme with prominent guest speakers who promise to enrich this year’s theme of ‘Celebrating the Past and Embracing the Future’.