Theme and Speaker

Our annual Readers’ Conference gathers Readers from across the diocese, offering an opportunity for fellowship, shared worship, and time to think and to pray together.

The conference will be led by Rev Neil Smart and will take a deep dive into John’s Gospel, with three sessions centred on the themes of Light and Life and Love.

Neil writes, “In a world searching for meaning and purpose, this gospel gives us a firm foundation on which to build our belief in Jesus. The author of the gospel has carefully selected the words, the works and the wonders that provide the key to understanding who Jesus is. Here we see Jesus in all his glory, becoming the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”

Come ready to explore not only the text but, together, the very good news that this gospel brings to us all.

Hotel

The conference will be held at the Meon Valley Hotel, Sandy Lane, Shedfield, Southampton, SO23 2HQ.

Booking

Most rooms have a double bed, with some family rooms available that have two double beds.

The cost will be £230 per person for residents, which covers accommodation, dinner on Friday and Saturday, breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, tea and coffee, and access to the hotel facilities and the conference.

• If your spouse is attending, please choose the ‘Non-Reader Spouse’ add-on, for an extra £125. The Spouse add-on covers accommodation and meals, and access to the hotel facilities.

There is also the option to book a family room, for £380 in total. These rooms have two double beds. If you would like to choose this option, please select the ‘Residential, family room’ ticket. Two tickets will be added to your basket – one for you making the booking and one for the second guest – and you will need to add the second guest’s details after the booking has been made. These rooms cannot be booked for single occupancy.

The cost for non-residents is £95, covering dinner on Friday and Saturday, and lunch on Saturday and Sunday together with tea and coffee.

Day tickets are available for Friday evening (£25), Saturday (£40), and Sunday (£25).

The whole fee is payable in full on booking.

Refunds will only be considered in exceptional circumstances (sudden illness or bereavement).

Rooms will be available from 3pm on Friday 16th January, 2026. All attendees will be able to use the leisure facilities in the hotel during the weekend.

Programme

The conference will start on Friday evening with dinner at 7pm. The conference ends on Sunday with a service of Holy Communion and lunch.

Transport

Please organise your own transport to the hotel.

Music & Worship

If you would like to contribute to the music at the conference, please tell us what instrument you play on the booking form.