Turning children on to the danger of drugs
Staying safe is a key message for primary school children moving up to secondary school in the autumn.
Sarah Brighton, chief executive officer of CRE 25 exhibitor Hope UK, said: ‘Changing schools gives children a lot to learn, but may also introduce problems of a more serious nature.’
Four drug educators, working with the drug prevention charity Hope UK, have been teaching vital skills and knowledge to hundreds of children as part of an annual Safety Zones programme being run in Nottinghamshire this summer. The East Midlands Hope UK team have shared information about the risks of vaping, alcohol and other substances children are likely to come across. They have also showed them how to resist peer pressure.
‘Led by Ian Michell, our East Midlands project worker, the team of volunteers are highly skilled when it comes to delivering drug education,’ said Sarah. ‘They have a wealth of experience to offer.’
Former bed and breakfast landlady, Michelle Artherton, trained as a drug educator with Hope UK 15 years ago, when she realised it was a perfect complement to her voluntary activities helping to deliver school assemblies and running a Girls’ Brigade company in her local church. Many years of experience supporting children and families in schools and children’s centres led Maureen Miller to get involved with the team five years ago. Maureen trained as a drug educator because she wanted ‘to help young people understand the fears and risks they might encounter and how to keep themselves feeling safe and confident.’
The newest member of the team, Jacqueline Jamieson says she was ‘instantly hooked’ when she went along to observe a Hope UK drug awareness workshop at a primary school being led by Michelle.
‘Feedback from schools has been excellent,’ says team leader Ian. ‘The children have been very engaged and have had fun as well as learning a lot.’
Hope UK will be at CRE 25 to discuss local problems faced by church leaders or Christians working in difficult areas. Sarah Brighton will speak on Vaping and Young People (1.30pm, Wed 15 Oct) and Managing Drug Incidents in Youth Work (2pm, Thu 16 Oct).
- Hope UK are on stand C10 at CRE 25
CRE 2025
Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
Where top class audio and aesthetic design meet and match
High performance audio quality in an aesthetic design – that’s the idea behind new speaker products to be displayed on the Creative Audio-Visual Solutions (CAVS) stand at CRE 25.
‘For decades, Electrovoice have designed and engineered leading-edge sound reinforcement solutions,’ said CAVS’ Rob Alvis. ‘Their new, cost-effective LRC (Line Radiator Columns) speakers are ideal for traditional church installations where aesthetics are vital, as well as full range audio. We are delighted to have them with us.
‘All their models provide carefully controlled vertical dispersion and smooth frequency response. Available in black and white (and paintable for further colour coding) they blend easily into their surroundings while providing exceptional all-round performance for main, delay or distributed sound reinforcement.’
Electrovoice’s sister company, Dynacord, will also show their new IX series of compact multichannel networked DPS amplifiers at CRE 25.
‘These are available in four and eight-channel versions with up to 6,000 watts in a 1u chassis size,’ said Rob. ‘On-board DSP provides equalisation, delay and crossover (along with matric mixer functions), negating the need for a separate audio processor. Dante audio networking features are standard on all models.’
CAVS are a dedicated church audio-visual integrator with the expertise and aesthetic sympathy to bring churches into the 21st Century with solutions covering sound/PA, visual (projection/displays), induction loop, networking/WiFi and service streaming.
- Creative Audio-Visual Solutions (CAVS) are on stand E17 at CRE 25
CRE 2025
Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
Two football fans offer some stadium-sized deals
Christian bookshops are still able to offer great bargains.
That will be the message to CRE 25 visitors from the self-styled ‘Blues Brothers’ Barry Mockford and Dave Lock. Representing Canaan Christian Ministries from Staines and Oasis Christian Bookshop in Wallington, messrs Mockford and Lock will join forces again to demonstrate that independent Christian bookshops are still alive and kicking – often when churches are closed.
‘We want the public to know that, despite declining numbers, there are many hard-working people keeping alive a Christian presence on the high street,’ Barry told CRE News. ‘They often offer much more than a bookshop alone.’
Called the Blues Brothers because of their love for club world cup winners Chelsea FC, they will offer CRE 25 visitors ‘some stadium-sized bargains’.
‘We have a large selection of different books that will be at the special exhibition price of only £1,’ added Barry. ‘In addition, we will have many gifts from Just Cards and Teal Press, for example – plus exclusive baby blessing and throw blankets that will not only be at special exhibition prices but not available anywhere else – even online!’
CRE 25 visitors will also receive a 10 per cent discount voucher for use in both of their shops – and a free book!
- Canaan and Oasis Bookshops are on stand N6 at CRE 25
CRE 2025
Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
Bear’s book to be focus of Big Church Read
This year’s Big Church Read will be launched at CRE 25 – and the focus will be Bear Grylls’ new book The Greatest Story Ever Told.
Steve Barnett, one of the founders of the Big Church Read, said: ‘This book invites you into the drama of Jesus’ life like never before. With gripping storytelling and raw honesty, Bear retells the gospel through the eyes of five of the people those who knew Jesus best – his mother Mary, Thomas, Simon Peter, John and Mary Magdalene.
‘Their first-hand encounters bring the story to life with intensity, warmth and deep reverence. At the heart of it all are Jesus’ own words, taken directly from the Bible, letting the greatest story ever told speak for itself.’
The book recently became a No. 1 Times Bestseller – the first explicitly about Jesus to have topped the list.
‘We believe it has huge evangelistic potential, and our vision is to get churches reading it together this autumn,’ said Steve, who runs the St Andrews Christian Bookshop, exhibitors at CRE 25. ‘Working with a number of partners we hope that up to 2,000 churches will join us for the Big Church Read in October. We hope that once people have read it, they’ll be inspired to share the story of Jesus with friends and family who don’t yet know him.’
They will also be invited to buy 10 copies each to give away as presents at Christmas.
‘Giving someone a book by Bear Grylls – an adventurer, writer and survival expert – is such an easy and natural way to start that conversation,’ Steve told CRE News. ‘We are aiming to see one million copies given away at Christmas!’
See Bear’s personal invitation to CRE visitors to be part of the initiative below.
- St Andrews Christian Bookshop and the Big Church Read are on stand E9 at CRE 25
CRE 2025
Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
Bible Course goes from strength to strength
The Bible hasn’t changed, but the world has – and the new edition of The Bible Course, updated to reflect the changes, will be presented at CRE 25.
More than 140,000 people have already gained a better understanding of the scriptures through the course and the new edition features three new presenters, eight Bible experts and individuals with inspiring personal stories.
The eight sessions are hosted by Dr Andrew Ollerton, a theologian, pastor and author who makes complex ideas accessible and relevant. Dr Ollerton will introduce The Bible Course at CRE 25 (12.30pm, Wed 15 Oct).
A series of videos and a guidebook accompany the course and a digital hub offers additional films and articles to help participants dig deeper into some of the themes addressed in the main course. More information here.
‘We have people in our group who have been studying the Bible for decades and others who are new to it,’ said Rachel, course host at the Well Church in North Swindon. ‘It’s accessible to everyone within the group.’
You can find out more at the Bible Society stand at CRE 25.
- Bible Society are on stand E9 at CRE 25
CRE 2025
Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
Why churches are on the way out
Since Covid, churches are looking for more outdoor space when booking a conference or retreat.
So says Lisa Fellows-Flynn of Whittlebury Park in rural Northamptonshire.
‘We’re lucky, we have 700 acres, so we’ve a lot to offer,’ she explains. ‘We invite you to come and see for yourself on a golf buggy tour!’
In addition, the conference centre is offering a discount of more than 60 per cent to CRE visitors (based on double/twin occupancy). The deal includes:
- 48-hour rate for £185 + VAT per person (usually £475 + VAT)
- Two-day meeting room hire, unlimited tea and coffee, one-course lunch and two-course dinner daily, two nights bed and breakfast and access to leisure club facilities
- Two hours in their heat and ice spa experience
At Whittlebury Park you will find purpose-built and professional event facilities which include 19 training and meeting rooms, 15 fully-serviced syndicate rooms, three private dining rooms, six conference and banqueting suites that can cater for up to 500 delegates as well as unrivalled leisure and team building activities. And 254 bedrooms!
‘Our dedicated corporate team is passionate about making your event a success by providing ideas and solutions that will provide real benefit to your church,’ said Lisa. ‘Your personal coordinator, backed by our extensively skilled team, will work with you to get just the right balance of help, guidance and support, adding value at every opportunity and ensuring the outstanding service you receive matches your requirements.’
• Whittlebury Park are on stand H3 at CRE 25
CRE 2025
Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
Brick by brick, Disraeli gears up for CRE 25
Author Stephen Disraeli is inviting CRE 25 visitors to help him build a new church on his stand – one Lego brick at a time.
It will be a thought-provoking exercise inspired by one of the chapters of his new book Called, Gathered and Gifted (Austin Macauley).
‘I will be laying the foundation and leaving the rest of the task to passing visitors,’ said Stephen. ‘No plans or instructions will be available, so they will need to work as the Holy Spirit guides them. The only thing they won’t be allowed to do is to substitute a different foundation!
‘The resulting building, whatever shape it takes, will be photographed for the record at the end of the exhibition. Owing to the stringent safety precautions required by CRE, it will not, of course, be “tested by fire” (1 Corinthians ch3 v13)!’
If you don’t want to be a volunteer bricklayer, you can still look over Stephen’s other books.
- Silence in Heaven is a survey of the book of Revelation
- The Unseen Husband is a survey of the Song of Solomon
- Prophets, Priests and Politics covers the Old Testament history of Israel through the eyes of the prophets, from Moses to Malachi.
‘The common theme is “Your God has not abandoned you!”’ said Stephen.
• Stephen Disraeli is on stand Q2 at CRE 25
CRE 2025
Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
How your car park can sustain your mission
An ethical and sustainable way for churches to generate additional income without compromising their values – that’s what Gemini Parking Solutions will bring to CRE 25.
It’s a regular problem – arriving for a service to find the church car park full and many vehicles not belonging to members of the congregation. Outside worship hours, the car park may be used by the local community while the church faces ongoing costs for upkeep and maintenance.
But what if the car park could become a solution to two common challenges – protecting access for worshippers while creating a much-needed source of additional income?
‘By implementing fair but firm solutions such as automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology, member whitelist systems and flexible permits, churches can maintain control over their car park while still serving their congregation and the wider community,’ explains Gemini’s Sulie Sritutti. ‘And by opening up your car park outside worship hours for local workers, visitors, or even event parking, you could create a sustainable new revenue stream that helps fund essential church initiatives.
‘We specialise in compassionate and community-driven parking management. Our award-winning solutions are designed specifically for places of worship, ensuring a seamless balance between serving your congregation and generating much-needed income.
‘Your church’s car park is more than just a convenience. It is a resource that, when managed ethically, can support your church’s mission, enhance community engagement and provide sustainable funding for future projects.
‘We would love to meet you in person at CRE 25 where our team will be available to discuss your individual situation and advise on solutions.’
• Gemini Parking Solutions will be on stand E6 at CRE 25
CRE 2025
Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
When hope is just a call away
Originally created in response to Covid lockdowns, the DailyHOPE Telephone Line is celebrating five years providing vital spiritual comfort to older people.
Initially developed by Faith in Later Life, in partnership with the Church of England and other Christian organisations, the service helps older people – particularly those without internet access – connect with worship and spiritual comfort during a time of social isolation.
In a letter to the organisation, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer highlighted the ongoing value of DailyHOPE to the lonely and isolated, calling it ‘a vital resource… that has continued to provide prayers, church services, reflections, hope and comfort’ over the years.
Faith in Later Life’s CEO, Alexandra Huggins said: ‘We were truly encouraged by the Prime Minister’s kind words. His recognition reflects what we hear all the time, that DailyHOPE remains a vital resource for people unable to get to church or access the internet for online worship. As we mark this anniversary, we remain committed to helping people have faith in later life beyond the church threshold.’
The DailyHOPE line is provided by Faith in Later Life 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offering hymns, prayers, and reflections from the Bible on 0800 804 8044.
• Faith in Later Life will be on stand U18 at CRE 25
CRE 2025
Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
Local church growth: community is the key
Through hosting events and community services, churches are successfully growing their congregations – as well as bringing in vital funds.
That’s the conclusion of a new survey conducted by CRE 25 exhibitor Ecclesiastical Insurance in which 541 churches were asked about their engagement with local communities. The most popular ways they open their doors to locals are:
- Putting on their own events (85%)
- Hosting external events (64%)
- Running community outreach services (62%)
- Being a hub for community use (60%)
Of the community events hosted by churches, almost half (49%) run toddler/baby groups and two in five (40%) run coffee shops. Scout and Guide groups (30%), youth clubs (30%), concerts (30%) and lunch clubs (27%) are also popular ways for churches to open their doors. Almost three out of five (58%) take donations when hosting, while nearly half (49%) take a rental fee for their facilities and a third (32%) make money from the sale of refreshments.
Three out of five (60%) say hosting events is a way to help grow a congregation.
Nine out of ten (92%) churches believe they offer a vital community hub – a fact backed up by their willingness to offer services such as food banks (pictured), bereavement support, Alcoholics Anonymous groups, Citizen’s Advice drop-ins and warm spaces for those affected by fuel poverty.
During a recent debate in Westminster on the impact of churches and religious buildings on communities, the Second Church Estates Commissioner, Marsha de Cordova MP, referenced the National Churches Trust’s ‘House of Good’ report which reveals that for every £1 invested in churches, the resulting benefits to society are worth more than £16.
Ecclesiastical’s church operations director Helen Richards said: ‘It’s no surprise to see churches opening their doors to the wider community and offering vital services to so many people. This has been true over centuries but with continuing economic instability these services are needed more than ever. By hosting events and community services, churches are successfully growing their congregations – and bringing in vital funds.
‘With the recent “Quiet Revival” report from the Bible Society showing an increase in church attendance, particularly within Gen Z, there is an opportunity for churches to reach a whole new audience.’ A guide to help churches host events has been produced by Ecclesiastical and can be found here.
• Ecclesiastical are on stand M10 at CRE 25
CRE 2025
Book your ticket to CRE 25!
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk