The annual gathering of Diocese of Portsmouth Readers will give opportunity to nourish your soul, spirit, mind and body.

Theme and Speaker

We are delighted to announce that this year’s conference speaker will be Rev Dr Mike Moynagh, a nationally recognised missiologist. Rev Dr Michael Moynagh is based in Oxford and for over a quarter of a century has been researching and supporting the emergence of new forms of Christian community. Among his books in this field is the academic trilogy, Church for Every Context, Church in Life and Giving the Church. At a more popular level his books include Being Church Doing Life, Godsend and Through the Looking Glass of Generosity.

He developed the concept of ‘Greenhouse’ for the Church of England and remains a consultant to the project. He is currently developing ‘Soulspace’, a bridge between people who don’t attend church and the Christian faith that can be added to any outreach activity. He acts as a consultant and coach to a number of Anglican dioceses, churches and individuals in the UK and overseas, and has an international speaking ministry.

After leading a busy parish in Somerset, from 1997 to 2013 he co-led The Tomorrow Project, which advised companies and government departments on long-term social trends. During this period he was on the staff of St John’s College, Nottingham and an Associate Tutor at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. He is married with two children and five grandchildren.

Come along and join us and experience a new expression of ‘church’ together with worship and prayer ministry and relax with good fellowship, food and entertainment.

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 £95. 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 £260 plus a further £95 if ‘Non-Reader Spouse is attending. 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.

Day tickets are available for non-residents ie Friday evening (£30), Saturday (£45), and Sunday (£30). This will cover dinner on the Friday. Saturday lunch, dinner and refreshments and Sunday lunch and refreshments.

The whole fee is payable in full upon booking.

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

Rooms will be available from 3pm on Friday 29th January, 2026. All attendees will be able to use the leisure facilities in the hotel during the weekend prior to booking.

Programme

The conference begins with dinner on Friday evening at 7pm. Following Sunday’s Eucharist celebrated by Archdeacon Barry Dugmore, the conference will end after lunch.

Transport

Please organise your own transport to the hotel.

Music, Worship and Prayer Ministry

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

Also please let us know if you would like take part in a Prayer Ministry Team.