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The pattern has varied for the last few years with either a national day Conference and AGM in April/May and a residential weekend conference in late October or vice versa. The residential conferences are designed to meet the needs of all ages including a special programme for children. The main aim is to build us up as Christians. Experienced speakers present lively Biblically-based addresses. Nor are the ethical problems of practice ignored.

Regional and/or Student meetings also take place on a regular basis round the UK. The Regional Meetings are coordinated and encouraged by Chris Evans emailDrChrisEvans@compuserve.com and the Student Meetings by Steven Murphy email sad.murphy@ntlworld.com. If you would like to have details then please contact them, or our administrator email cdfadmin@btinternet.com

CDF ANNUAL CONFERENCE MAY 2001

Here is a very brief report on the latest conference, which was held at High Leigh Christian Conference Centre at Hoddesdon, Herts from May 25 to 28^th

About 100 members, spouses and children attended the conference. The conference centre is housed in the original imposing listed building, which has been extended with purpose built residential section. The extensive grounds are beautifully kept and provides an excellent venue to relax in as well as learn. The Bank Holiday weather was perfect- blue skies and warm sunshine.

The main speaker was the Rev Vic Jackopson who held our rapt attention as he explored aspects of ‘God at Work’. Vic was converted as young man in prison and later was ordained. But he never lost his love and concern for those in need. He was the UK leader of Evangelism Explosion and from there went on to develop ministries to the homeless, travellers and prisoners. He is the present President of Dentaid http://www.dentaid.org/uk/index.html The Bible studies will be fully reported in future editions of Newsround

The Conference also had first hand reports from some of our Mission Partners. Two of our members had just returned from working in West Africa on the Mercy Ship ‘Anastasis’. Tony Giles, a maxillofacial surgeon, was part of the major surgery team on board carrying out advanced operations to treat tumours, cleft lip and palate etc. This brought hope to many who felt past hope. Paul Brind and Bethany Hedderly described some of the dental outreach work into the countries the ship visited. All this is carried out in partnership with local churches so that physical and spiritual health goes hand in hand. www.mercyships.org.uk

While all of this was going on the younger generation had a great time led by a team of children’s workers from Leicester. The various age groups all took an active part in the Sunday Worship session. We all found time to relax, renew friendships and chat with one another and use the free afternoons to explore the Lea Valley countryside. A mobile comprehensive bookshop gave us a chance to browse and buy the latest Christian titles. Sadly space does not allow a full description of the packed programme. Suffice to say we enjoyed it and invite you to come to the next one.

FUTURE CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS

2^nd-4^th November 2001. There will be a Student and Young Graduates Weekend House Party at the Chawnhill Christian Centre in Stourbridge from Friday to Sunday. This will combine with the one day Meeting for the whole of CDF on Saturday 3^rd Nov. This promises to be an exciting meeting with a full programme in an excellent and convenient location. So whatever you age don’t miss it or you will regret it!

Tuesday 13^th November 2001 The West Midlands Group will be holding a CDF Sponsored Clinical Meeting on at Birmingham Dental Hospital (see W Midlands Newsround Web page for details)

There will be a special one day Conference and AGM in April/ May next year to mark the 50^th Anniversary. As soon as date and venue are finalised we will announce it on the Web and in Newsround. A very special meeting!

October 25^th to 27^th 2002: Family Residential Conference will be held at Swanwick in Derbyshire.