CRES Day at Cuddesdon, February, 2010

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!