A message from Phill

February 2017

Well, it’s six months since Phil Hopgood and I left the Showground, exhausted but happily reflecting on another amazing two weeks in Norwich. Each year I am more and more grateful to God for all he does during the weeks we all spend together in Norfolk: incredible stories of young people’s lives changed, friendships forged and miraculous healings testified to. What a privilege!

I thought it might be an idea during the months ahead, in the run up to the next time we gather at the Showground, to jot down some thoughts and keep you updated as to what is happening with all things Newday. For those of you who don’t know, or who are perhaps new to all this, my name is Phill Gray and I have the honour of heading up Newday alongside Joel Virgo.

As is tradition, the time since the event finished in August has been filled with tying up the many loose ends that follow such a massive operation: things like returning lost property, processing expense claims, following up on noise complaints to ensure we are good neighbours and, of course, looking at budgets for the following year’s event. 

2016 was a fantastic year in so many ways, but unfortunately not financially. In 2016 we were unable to cover the cost of running the event from our income. Some unforeseen expenditure and a small fall in delegate numbers contributed to this. The Clarendon Trust board of trustees, who oversee the event, remain 100% behind the event and, although concerned at this financial result, they trust that the team (and that includes each of you) is running a superb event that is having a significant impact on young people across our nation.

Teams have already begun to meet and start the planning process for next summer, which is amazing. I am always humbled by the incredible people we have. Their dedication to Newday is unparalleled. 

I have meet with Joel on a couple of occasions to discuss the programme for 2017. We always we start with a wish list of speakers and guests, who I am now tasked with contacting to see if they might be available to join us in the summer. Watch this space for news through the year!

On the operational front, we are in the latter stages of building a new booking system to complement our website and to ensure that we serve churches well, both in communication and processes. We are looking to go live with bookings early in February. 

A few dates to note:

Newday on the Road – Brighton: 25 February
Newday on the Road – Bedford: 17 March

OK, it’s just left for me to thank you all for you do for Newday  - and don’t forget, you’re the best ambassador Newday has!

Phill