Following the success of the 2011 CRT Retreat 'Renewing Your Passion' at High Leigh, planning is already underway for the 2012 event with key changes already planned.
Responding to comments that the event at High Leigh is too, "London-centric" the plan is to hold the 2012 event at the Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick in Derbyshire
Steve Briars who, along with his wife Mandy, is the driving force behind the event told ‘Christian Marketplace’; “One of the key points made by delegates was that they wanted more time together and we were planning to extend the retreat by a further day next year. However we felt that a change of venue and a longer programme was probably too much to change in one go. "He added that it was still the intention to lengthen the progrmame in future subject to demand.
The change of location makes a good deal of sense. Centrally located, The Hayes has good access by road, rail and air being just five minutes from the M1, close to the East Coast main line and within good access to four airports. “We’ve been well served at High Leigh,” said Briars, “but moving to Swanwick will make it easier for people from Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England to attend - as well as those from Europe, who we are keen to encourage to come!” The Hayes can accommodate bigger numbers enabling more people to attend.
The event, which has the theme title ‘To Boldly Go’, will take place from 12th-13th June 2012 and will retain all the successful elements from the last two events, including the CRT Awards Ceremony, which is scheduled for Tuesday 12th June.
Briars says that, once again, every effort will be made to ensure that the costs are kept down. “Once again there will be discounts for early booking and for members of the trade groups,” adding that he was also exploring sponsorship opportunities. “Clearly we want as many retailers to be there as possible and will do all we can to ensure that the cost is not prohibitive.”
It is intended to have the programme finalised by the end of October with a brochure going out in November. Regular information updates will be posted on the CRT website from August as well as in ‘Christian Marketplace’.