20th February 2010- CRES day conference at Ripon College Cuddesdon
Every few months the CRES course meets at Ripon College Cuddesdon. Although we are a distance learning course we do like to get together. It means students and tutors can meet each other and we can update on things that have been happening. We always try to get at least one visiting speaker, with talks ranging across the range of rural and environmental issues and theology. So here is a typical day:
10.00-10.30 Arrive and Coffee. Many of our students and tutors have come a long way, and coffee is needed at the end of the journey!
10.30-10.45 Welcome. Martin Hodson, the Principal Tutor, outlines the content of the day.
10.45-11.45 Talk: Dr. Bob Sluka spoke on ‘Marine environmental issues and their impacts on rural fishing communities in the UK and British overseas territories.’ Bob, our visiting speaker showed us some wonderful pictures of marine habitats, outlined the problems facing marine biodiversity, and then looked at some solutions.
11.45-12.45 Groups. This is the time when we split up to discuss progress on modules and the course in general. We have three groups normally: (1) First Year students and their tutors; (2) Second Year students and their tutors; (3) Everyone else (this includes members of the CRES steering group, and former students, many of whom keep coming back!)- Discussion with our visiting speaker
Just before lunch we had a group photo shoot (right)
1.00-2.00 Lunch- really rather wonderful- good time to have a chat.
2.00-2.30 Dr. John Lockwood introduced the new module he has been working on: “Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Stabilization and Climate” We are hoping that will be available to students in the autumn.
2.30-3.00 Interview with the new external examiner, Revd Dr. Shaun Henson. This was the first time we had met Shaun, and we heard about his multi-faceted life in ministry and theological education.
3.00-3.30 CRES news. Martin Hodson then brought everyone up to date of what has been happening, and what is coming up soon for CRES
3.30-3.45 Short service- Revd Philip Wagstaff, then led us in a short reflection and affirmation “We choose”.
3.45 Tea and wonderful cakes courtesy of Juliana the domestic bursar at Cuddesdon. And then we all went on our way until the next time!
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a a Although the CRES course starts and finishes in September each year the Spring and early Summer are the times when many people are looking for courses. CRES is now getting quite a few enquiries every week, and we recommend that students make their applications by about June as this allows us to find a local tutor and give instructions on the course before it really gets going! If you are interested probably the best place to look first is our CRES Certificate page. Then you might have some questions. If so go to the Contact CRES page. Then finally if you would like to apply download an Application Form and send it back to us with your payment. For some time now the CRES web site has been looking a little tired. Fortunately for us John McKeown, the JRI webmaster has designed us a nice new site. We are still getting used to the site and it is not yet perfect, but it is a lot better. Thanks very much John! We are pleased to announce that the new external examiner for CRES will be Rev Dr Shaun Henson, Chaplain of St Hugh’s College, Oxford. We look forward to working with Shaun over the next three years. CRES recruited eight new students over the summer of 2009, including one to the final year, one to the Diploma, and our first student from the Netherlands. This is almost a record. We hope the new students soon get going and feel at home on the course.
a On Saturday 12th September 2009, another four students on Christian Rural and Environmental Studies (CRES) graduated at Ripon College Cuddesdon, nr. Oxford. Simon Brown, Hazel Byford and Alison Hudson all gained Certificates, and Jean Lorimer had a Diploma. Congratulations to all four! This brings the total CRES graduates to 17 since the course started.
The Annual CRES Residential took place this year at Offa House, Offchurch, nr. Leamington Spa on 15th /16th September 2006. The meeting began on the first day with the AGM of Christian Rural Concern (CRuC), followed by lunch. The four 1st year students then gave short talks on the modules they had taken in the past year. After tea we discussed a whole range of issues concerning the future development of the course. Before dinner Rev. Margot Hodson led us in a time of informal worship. The invited speaker for the evening was Dr. Peter Thomas (Keele University), a noted expert in trees, who gave an excellent talk “Rural New England”. The day closed with Compline led by Joy Gadsby. After a good night of sleep we were up for Morning Prayer led by Rev. Philip Wagstaff. The morning was devoted to the four presentations from our 2nd year certificate students. The topics varied from tourism in rural churches to lifestyle issues, and the standard was very high indeed. After lunch our one completing Diploma student looked at the topic of land in the Bible. The examiners then retired for their deliberations, and for brief interviews with the five completing students. A short time later and the external examiner, Rev. Dr. Richard Clutterbuck announced the results. He was pleased to announce that the five CRES students had completed their studies successfully. Timothy Fox, Martyn Johnson, Paul Rathbone and Tony Roper were all granted Certificates. Paul Rathbone was commended for the exceptionally high standard of his work, and was given a distinction by CRES. John Kirkby completed the work for his Diploma. Many congratulations to all five students, and we hope you will keep in touch with CRES, CRuC and JRI!
Successful CRES graduates. Left to Right. Back: Timothy Fox and Tony Roper. Front: Martyn Johnson, John Kirkby and Paul Rathbone |
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