Ann Constable writes: WF Autumn Conference has taken place at last! The Hayes Christian conference centre, Swanwick in Derbyshire was the venue for the two days and almost 80 delegates attended. It was very exciting that after years of planning we were able to enjoy a “ magnificent meeting”.
Click the blue words to see the event report which is now available too, thanks to the Guildford branch.
More photographs can be found in The Gallery.
Photographs by Caroline St Leger Davey and Ann Constable, with very grateful thanks to both.
Here’s some of the feedback:
“What a magnificent meeting we had! Thank you so much for all your hard work in bringing together people for Autumn Conference – it was lovely to be there and see friends, and meet new members. The added ingredients of an easy venue (for the delegates) and three superb speakers meant it was a very special occasion. I am sure that you had plenty of problems along the way, but it all came together very well. I know you had help from various members of the northern branches, and I do thank them” Lizzie
“On behalf of the Eastbourne three I’d like to thank you for a successful conference. We recognise that enormous time and effort were put into the planning and delivery. The speakers were inspiring as were both the chapel service and time for reflection.
We look forward to future events and the opportunity to spend more time with such a positive and friendly group of women.” Dinah
“ A truly good two days and how relieved you must feel after all the problems you have had over the last few months.
The Hayes itself was a really good place to be, easy to get to and find and with lovely grounds (if there was time to enjoy them!). The speakers were excellent and each of them were totally absorbing and interesting. I feel I now need to know more! It was also so lovely to see everyone, to feel normal and laugh and chat together and the two days just simply flew by. Thank you for your hard work. I really enjoyed myself and am already looking forward to next year.
I just wanted to say how impressive Thursday was. The organisation was smooth and seamless. The venue was pleasant and appropriate. Food was wholesome and filling. Coffee stations space age. And the speakers really were excellent. Your ability with the electronics was inspirational and I was so pleased to be able to be with all my many friends.” Amanda
“Thanks to you and your team from the northern Branches of WF for a splendid Conference over the past couple of days. The speakers were exceptionally good and it was lovely to have the opportunity to meet with other members and to chat after such a long time. The venue worked well in that there seemed more time than usual for talking- perhaps because we weren’t moving between centres/homes/church? It was certainly a good formula and perhaps the most likely to be manageable going forwards. My bedroom was very spacious and comfortable and the food was certainly good enough – and the toffee chocolate shortbread was deliciously yummy.
Congratulations to you and Exec for making it possible after the pandemic and all the changes you have had to face, and for coming up with a format which should work into the future.” Ali
“One of the best conferences ever. The three speakers were superb, all in their own and quite different ways.” Eilidh, Northumbria
Photographs by Caroline StLeger Davey and Ann Constable – with many grateful thanks. More photographs are available in The Gallery.
