The conference is taking place at The Hayes Centre, Swanwick, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 1AU. The nearest train station is Alfreton.
There is parking spaces for all, but do consider sharing the journey with others if you can. There are six electric car charging points. please ask at reception to use these.
The dress code for the conference is informal. Collars are not required unless you wish to wear one.
Arriving at the Conference
Please arrive at Swanick from 11.30am on Monday 18 November. Once parked, please leave your bags in your car and make you way to the main entrance. Please check into our Diocesan Welcome Desk where you can get your welcome bag and lanyard. Please wear this throughout the conference for security reasons.
Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available on arrival and there are plenty of places to relax after your journey before we begin our conference with lunch at 12.30pm.
Room check in and information about your stay
We have an hour break at 3.15pm to allow you to move into your bedroom, rooms are not available before this time. Your lanyard card is your room key card. If you require help with your bags please ask one of our Pink Angels.
Each bedroom offers an ensuite bathroom, hairdryer, towels, and tea/coffee making facilities. Please make sure that you close your bathroom doors after using the shower to prevent unncessary fire alarm activations from steam.
Tea and coffee supplies will be replenished daily in the rooms but are also available from 8am to 8pm in the coffee areas by reception and by the Derbyshire Hall. It is possible to provide a small fridge for your room if needed. Please notify Alex Tolley if this would be something that would assist you.
For any urgent issues, first aid or requests regarding your room please visit recepetion or call, text or WhatsApp the venue staff on 07881 408733 between 7.30am and 11pm or on 07596 278782 out of hours.
We very much hope that everyone will be fit and well for the conference, however if you are too unwell to come to the conference for any reason, please let Alex Tolley know in advance. Should you become ill whilst you are at the conference, please let us know if you leaving the venue.
Accessibility
The site is fully accessible to all areas of the conference, although it is on a large site, so do please ask if you require any assistance.
The main sessions will take place in the Derbyshire Hall and will be streamed to the Kinder Room (no 10 on the dynamic map) should you wish to leave the main conference room at any time.
There will be a quiet area available in the lounge and the Haddon dining room is quieter than the Chatsworth dining room.
There is a hearing loop available in the Derbyshire Hall, Main Conference Hall, and Butterley Suite.
Food and Drink
The restaurant is self-service and meal times are:
Breakfast- 8am to 9am
Lunch - 12.30pm to 1.30pm
Dinner - 6.30 to 7.30pm
There is a bar which will be available in the evenings. Please note that no food or drink is allowed to be brought onto site. We have passed all known dietary requirements onto the venue, who will make sure these are provided for. If you have any queries concerning dietary requirements please speak to the venue staff.
By the main entrance self service hot and cold drinks will be available from 8am to 8pm. There is a second drinks service station next to the Derbyshire Hall where our main sessions will be held.
Facilities
Wifi is available throught the centre, the network name is CCTWIFI and there is no password - simply type in your email address and agree to the terms and conditions to be connected.
There is a laundry room in the lakeside building.
Please be aware that the centre is cashless for all transactions including the bar, but if you are attending the wine tasting workshop, please note you will need a £10 cash contribution.
Sports & Leisure
The centre is situated in lovely grounds and there is a lake which provides a nice area for walking, walking route maps are available from reception. There is also a sports hall where various sports will be offered and a well equipped gym. Please fill in a disclaimer at reception to use the gym. Each morning there will be a running group that will leave reception at 7am - there will be 2 groups, one running a 5km and one for a more gentle jog to a distance to accomodate all.
There is an entertainment room with table tennis, table football and air hockey.
We are delighted that we will be joined by the Christian Resources for Life Bookshop which will be in the Reading Room, no 12 on the dynamic map
A creative room will available throughout the conference in the Writing Room, no 20 on the dynamic map. A range of resources will be available for you to create a prayerful response to the conference.
On the Last Day
Please check out of your room by 10am on Thursday.
Please take your bag to your car after breakfast. If you need help with this a Pink Angel will be on hand.
We hope you will stay for lunch following the final Holy Communion, before heading home.
Please your lanyard to the dropbox in reception as you leave. Please note there is a charge for lanyards that are not returned.
Pink Angels
The Pink Angels are a team of volunteer stewards and helpers, modelled after the Games Makers from the 2012 Olympics, committed to enhancing the experience for all attendees at the Diocese conference. The Pink Angels are easily identified by their pink hi-vis vests and will wear these whenever they are on duty.
They are there to ensure that everyone feels supported, informed, and welcomed throughout the event. From the moment attendees arrive, Pink Angels are on hand to assist with a variety of tasks—from directing people to conference venues and answering questions to providing schedules, materials, and a friendly presence. Pink Angels are here for guidance, encouragement, and a helping hand.
Safeguarding
Our designated safeguarding lead for the conference is Bishop Debbie. Please approach her if you have any concerns at any time.