Brigade Conference 2019 in Swansea
Monday 9th September 2019Over the weekend of 6th to 8th September volunteers from across the Brigade came together in Swansea, Wales for Brigade Conference, giving them the opportunity to socialise, hear updates, participate in workshops, develop skills and look to the future of the organisation.
Most of the weekend’s activities were held in Swansea’s Marriott Hotel, a fantastic waterfront location in the city’s Maritime Quarter.
The conference weekend began on the Friday evening with a welcome reception and remarks from Cllr Mark Child, Deputy Lord Mayor of Swansea as well as Lord Griffiths of Burry Port, Brigade President.
Our Saturday programme began with a time of worship which was led by Revd Steven Bunting, Chaplain of the BB in Wales and Most Revd John Davies, Archbishop of Wales, who spoke on the message of “life to the full” in John 10:10 and thriving in our vision and mission.
Independent review
A thought-provoking update into the early findings of the independent review of our most recent Strategic Plan was presented by Graeme Reekie of Wren and Greyhound. You can read a summary of the early findings presented at Conference here.
Those present were also able to participate in workshops focussed on the new Under 11’s Programme, Faith Development and Managing Change.
As part of our Annual General Meeting a video review of the 2018-2019 session was shown to highlight just some of what has been happening in the Brigade over the last 12 months. The video can be seen below:
A summary of the business transacted at the AGM can be read here.
An update was also given by members of the Brigade staff team on various matters including staffing, the Raise the Bar campaign and the new Under 11’s Programme.
In the evening the conference dinner included a speech by Geoff Wheel, a former Wales international rugby union player and now a leader in the 1st Swansea Eastside Company, who spoke on his background in the sport and his journey to faith in Christ. He was followed by a memorable performance by the Gwalia Singers, a Welsh male voice choir based in Swansea, who showcased a series of Welsh favourites and popular tunes.
Sunday morning worship was held at St Stephen’s Church, home of the 1st Swansea Eastside Company. The service was led by Revd Steven Bunting – also vicar of St Stephen’s – with the sermon delivered by Lord Griffiths. Our thanks to all at St Stephen’s and the 1st Swansea Eastside for their very warm welcome.
Next year’s Brigade Conference will take place from 4th to 6th September 2020 and will be held in Birmingham, England. More details will be published later in the session.
