WYD Reporter’s Words

24 April 2008

Rachel Manning one of the Clifton Diocese World Youth Day (WYD) communications officers has sent us this story following her media training in Liverpool last weekend.

Our journey to Australia is well under way and we have now completed our communications officer training. Both Antonia and I, spent the weekend in Liverpool learning different methods and techniques that will enable us to report back from Australia and keep you up to date in every possible way.

On Friday, we caught the train up to Liverpool and stayed in the university halls of residence. We spent Friday night experiencing life in Liverpool (the European Capital of Culture 2008) and we thoroughly enjoyed it!

On Saturday morning, we met the other communications officers from dioceses in England and Wales and we began our training. We learnt how to write blogs, podcasts, and how to use audio and camera equipment. During the evening, we all met up together to get to know each other and we all became very good friends.

On Sunday, Antonia and I had an interview with BBC Bristol Radio and BBC Somerset, which went really well. Although we had prepared, we were still very nervous! After the interview, the communications officers and training staff celebrated Mass with the Archbishop of Liverpool, Most Reverend Patrick Kelly. It was an intimate Mass, which brought the group together in an extremely special way.

After finishing the training, we spent some time learning about each other. We said our goodbyes and made our way back home!

Rachel Manning