One of the UK’s most unusual exhibitions heads to Milton Keynes for the first time next month (Marshall Arena, October 9th – 10th 2024). The two-day Christian Resources Exhibition (CRE), often dubbed ‘the ideal church show’, will feature up to 160 organisations, displaying everything from eco-friendly heated pew cushions to clergy clothing, contactless donation apps to digital organs. A full list of exhibitors can be viewed here.
Alongside the exhibition will be a series of more than 40 talks and presentations covering fund raising, faith sharing, bereavement support, social media, church security – and much, much more. One of the three talks and presentation areas will be devoted entirely to the theme of worship with renowned practitioners Roger Jones, Devon Brown, Lucy Grimble and Lou (pictured below) and Nathan Fellingham contributing over both days. As well as leading visitors in worship, they will offer an historical perspective on the subject and consider how led worship can be developed in local churches.
Open to everyone, but particularly helpful to those actively involved in their local church, CRE is expected to attract almost 2000 visitors from all major denominations.
World-renowned professional football freestyler Daniel Cutting (main photo above) will open the event (10am, Wed 9 Oct) and remind visitors how churches can use sport as a vital bridge to their local communities. A 10-time Guinness World Record holder, Daniel, who lives in Milton Keynes, specialises in product launches, corporate events, commercials – and school assemblies! Depending on the occasion, he will also tell audiences about his Christian faith. A member of a church in Milton Keynes, where he and his wife run a youth group for 20 or so young people, Daniel said: “I am particularly excited to do events in a Christian setting, using my gift to glorify God.”
CRE MANCHESTER 13/3/2019 Pics by HOWARD BARLOW
Steve Goddard, owner of CRE, said: “By coming to MK for the first time we’re responding to a ‘Macedonian call’ – bringing much-needed new products and services to churches, large and small. We would encourage ordained and lay leaders and office-holders from all denominations to make the very most of an event that cannot return to the region for several years.”
CRE 24 will be held at the Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes opening hours: Wednesday Oct 9th, 10am-5pm; Thursday Oct 10th, 10am-4.30pm. Advance tickets available from £3 (£8 on the door). Visit www.creonline.co.uk for more information.
A Robert Gordon University (RGU) student who is balancing his studies with a promising athletics career admits he would “love to” compete at the British Championships and Commonwealth Games after a specular recent win.
Luke Davidson, who is studying Sport Coaching, won August’s Scottish 800m title at The Eric Liddell Senior Championships having previously succeeded at various other University level races.
Last month’s triumph was made particularly remarkable as he’d switched from his usual 1500m to the 800m in order to be able to compete at all.
The dedicated and passionate Inverness Harriers’ runner trains six days a week, but never on a Sunday due to his faith. This emulated the same position, and result, taken by Luke’s sporting inspiration and the man in which the year’s championship was named after: Eric Liddell.
The 22-year-old said: “My highlight on the athletics track has to be winning this Scottish 800m title. Not only for the obvious reasons of winning, but this competition was so important to me as it was commemorating a figure that I have always looked up to for so many reasons.
“I’ve been inspired by him from a young age. I have similarly never trained or raced on Sunday, including at the Scottish Championships where I changed from my preferred event that was on a Sunday and chose to compete in the 800m instead. Despite training six days a week, my faith is more important to me than any achievement for my athletic ability.
“Next year I am hoping to get as close to the British Championship qualifying time as I can and if that’s the case, I will compete at that, provided it’s not on a Sunday. I also plan to run the national championships again as well as another Monument Mile.”
Luke explained: “The sports scholarship programme has been a big help to me as it has been able to offer support to me in my training and competition. It has also shown me that despite training on my own most of the time there are plenty other students in RGU that are in the same boat as me trying to balance their studies and compete at the highest level.
“I intend to keep training as hard as I am and as much as I can while I complete my degree. I aim to go as far as I can with the sport. I’d love to get to the level where I can compete at bigger competitions such as British Championships and Commonwealth Games.”
Luke’s story featured on the BBC online and on the radio. RGU SPORT’s scholarship programme attracts new students each year with applications open between May-August and December-January.
Main Photo Credit: Courtesy of Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen.
The premium SUV market has seen significant growth in recent years, with many automakers competing to deliver the best combination of luxury, performance and technology. One such automaker in this market Genesis, with the GV70 2.5T AWD Luxury Line.
The GV70 has a sleek, modern design that turns heads. The front of the vehicle features the brand’s signature crest grille, flanked by sharp LED headlights. The side profile has a bold shoulder line and a sloping roofline, giving the SUV a dynamic appearance. The rear features wraparound LED taillights and dual exhaust system, adding to the vehicle’s athletic look.
The Genesis GV70’s cabin is a masterclass in refinement. It is spacious and comfy, with ample legroom and headroom for front and rear passengers. The seats are leather, and the dashboard features high-quality materials, including wood and metal accents. The centre console is dominated by a large infotainment screen, which is intuitive and easy to use. The GV70 also has a digital instrument cluster, displaying information, including speed, navigation and audio controls.
Under the bonnet, the GV70 is propelled by a 2.5 litre turbocharged engine. The lump is mated to an eight-seed automatic transmission, which provides sooth and responsive shifts. The South Korean company’s SUV also has an all-wheel-drive system, providing top traction and stability, even in challenging driving conditions.
The Genesis comes with various safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. It also has a 360-degree camera system, which provides a bird’s eye-view, making it easier to navigate tight spaces and park.
In summary, this model is an exceptional SUV. Whether commuting to work, taking a road trip, or doing the school run, the Genesis GV70 is the perfect vehicle for those who demand luxury performance and technology.
The Nitty-Gritty: Genesis GV70 2.5T AWD Luxury Line, as tested
At a recent sneak peek event, the excitement was palpable as teenagers from around the world erupted into chants of “Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!” What sparked their enthusiasm were the first glimpses of the highly anticipated JESUS film. Jesus Film Project® unveiled first-look clips of their upcoming animated feature film, JESUS, during TeenStreet Europe, a major Christian event that drew thousands of teenagers worldwide.
Based on the New Testament Gospels, the new film depicts the life of Jesus, His miracles, death, crucifixion and resurrection, through high-quality animation.
“I love the idea of this movie,” said Daniela, a teenager from Portugal. “I love that we’re trying to do something for kids, teens and also for adults! I think everybody loves this kind of movie.”
Angelica from Germany said: “I really liked how creative it was and powerful.”
11 year-old Asher said: “I will show it to all the rest of my friends because they don’t understand why I believe in God and I think this is a good way to show them why I believe in Jesus and God.”
Teenagers who attended the screenings expressed their excitement in different ways. Many were eager to share the JESUS film with friends, seeing it as a way to start meaningful conversations about faith. They also discussed their emotional reactions to some of the film’s pivotal scenes, which resonated with the audience and left a lasting impression on younger and older viewers alike.
Some teenagers also reflected on the role of women in the Resurrection as shown in the film, highlighting a thoughtful engagement with the gospel.
Geoff Peters, Global Marketing Director for Jesus Film Project, said: “Showcasing clips from our new film at Teenstreet Europe was nothing short of astounding. The energetic response from the teens, their visceral reactions to the depiction of biblical miracles, and the emotions expressed during the crucifixion scenes were deeply moving.
“The cheers that erupted during the resurrection scenes were particularly memorable. Young Christians are clearly on the move, and it’s an honour to be part of equipping them to share the Gospel through this new film. The enthusiastic reception of JESUS underscores a growing desire among young people for meaningful and faith-based content.”
JESUS is an animated family film designed to bring the life of Jesus to new generations and audiences of all ages. Based on the Christian Gospels, this film re-imagines the 1979 JESUS film and aims to be translated into over 2,100 languages.
The electric vehicle (EV) market is abuzz with new models; this one stands out. With its distinctive saloon-like appearance and a hatchback boot opening, the Polestar 2 sets itself apart in the EV crowd.
This car is not just another EV, but a compelling choice if you seek practical and high-performance ‘green’ transport. Its maximum power of 499PS and impressive WLTP driving range of 379 to 406 miles make it a strong contender against the Tesla Model 3.
If you have yet to hear of Polestar, the marque is Volvo’s electric sub-brand, and the Polestar 2 was the first car to really sperate if from the Swedish automaker. The vehicle incorporates the latest battery and efficiency updates, making it one of the longest-range executive-cum-family EVs you can buy or lease.
Compared with some of its SUV-crossover challengers, the Polestar 2 has a significant advantage when it comes to range. Even the Volvo XC40 Recharge, which shares the Polestar’s structural foundations, has a shorter reach – at least until 2025 updates are ushered in.
Other rivals, such as the Peugeot E-3008, are worth considering if you need even more practicality, but unlike the Polestar 2 it isn’t perceived as a premium car.
As mentioned, the Polestar 2’s practicality is a standout feature, especially compared with Tesla’s Model 3. Unlike the Model 3’s smaller boot lid, its hatchback design makes it a more functionals car to live with if you regularly transport bulky items, such as a pushchair.
Its unique driving position, a balance between an SUV’s raised ride height and a traditional saloon’s lower stance, further enhances its appeal, making it a versatile option for everyday use.
Polestar has also incorporated Google’s Android operating system into the 2, making it easy to use. The vehicle gets over-the-air updates, too, so it can install the latest apps and software without hassle.
The Polestar 2 has undergone significant changes to enhance its performance recently. The electric motor has been moved from the front wheels to the rear wheels on the entry-level model, a transformation that adds a new level of excitement to the Polestar’s driving experience.
In conclusion, the latest Polestar 2 drives excellently and has impressive range and efficiency. It also boasts an excellent infotainment interface, is functional and practical, and looks sexy inside and out. Worth considering if you’re in the market for a posh electric car your kids will love, and Tesla drivers might envy.
The Nitty-Gritty: Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor, as tested:
Citroen has always been known for its innovative designs, and this ë-SpaceTourer is no exception.
This electric multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) is a boost for local businesses that want to transport clients and associates in style while being environmentally responsible.
The Citroen is part of the French brand’s electric vehicle line-up. Its decent design and range make it a popular choice for small and medium-sized enterprises prioritising sustainable transportation.
With its 50kWh battery, the ë-SpaceTourer can travel an average of 137 miles on a single charge (or up to 201 miles around town), making it ideal for short to medium-distance trips.
The electric motor delivers 136 horsepower, providing a smooth driving experience. The Citroen can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in 13.1seconds, which is not fast but fine for a vehicle of its size. Furthermore, top speed is 81 mph, which is more than sufficient for most local or regional business travel.
Copyright Marc and David @ Continental Productions
One of the vehicle’s key advantages is its spacious interior. The MPV can accommodate up to nine people, making it ideal for businesses transporting groups of clients or associates. The seats are upholstered in high-quality materials, and each chair has an armrest and individual reading lights. The panoramic sunroof provides plenty of natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.
The ë-SpaceTourer Business Lounge’s interior is also packed with advanced features that make it a pleasure to drive and ride in. The seven-inch touchscreen display is easy to navigate and provides access to a range of infotainment and connectivity options. Additionally, the Citroen’s sound system delivers crisp, clear audio, making it ideal for playing music or conducting conference calls on the go.
Crucially, the MPV is kitted out with a range of safety gadgets, including a driver attention alert system, cruise control and speed limiter, front and rear curtain airbags and a rear-view camera. These features help make it a safe and secure choice.
Copyright Marc and David @ Continental Productions
The Citroen model is an impressive vehicle that combines comfort and eco-friendliness. Its spacious interior, advanced features, and range make it a good choice for local businesses that want to make a statement while minimising their carbon footprint.
Whether ferrying clients about or shuttling associates to a team-building event, this is the perfect vehicle for all your business needs.
Fast Facts: Citroen ëSpaceTourer Business Lounge M50KWH 136, as tested
Digital Editor’s Note: I’m very pleased to welcome Philip, a Deacon at a church in London, as our Sorted Magazine Guest Writer. Philip shares why, when it comes to generosity, he feels a strong sense of responsibility to do his part.
Philip writes: Taylor Swift was back in the UK for the final leg of her Eras tour this weekend after making headlines for giving away enough money to cover the food bills for an entire year across 11 food banks and community pantries in Liverpool. This is an amazing public display of generosity, and she has bettered the lives of thousands of people among the UK’s poorest. But it can reinforce the impression many people have that only rich people can give generously, at least financially.
I’m 52 and I live in social housing in London with my wife. I earn a low income, work multiple jobs and am a deacon at a local church where we regularly give our time, and money. Our financial situation means that we cannot always give consistent amounts, but we always make sure that we have enough saved so that we can give something.
When I was growing up, my father was very active in raising money on Poppy Day for the Royal British Legion. He was the local organiser in our community for the appeal and when he passed away, I decided that I would take over and do the same thing, which I did for several years.
Since then, I have been inspired to support a range of causes such as Macmillan Cancer Support because of close friends who have been helped by them. Seeing the difference that such charities have made in their lives and in the lives of those who are in much harder situations than my own has, along with my Christian faith, instilled a sense of responsibility that I should do my part too.
Living towards the lower earning end of the spectrum does mean that giving financially is always a sacrifice; every time I consider giving, I have to think about our upcoming bills, keeping the car running, ensuring that no debt is accumulating, and budgeting for any future holiday plans. Things that people like Taylor Swift do not have to think about. But I have found that being generous, and giving money away, is worth it.
I remember having a conversation when we were on a holiday in Bournemouth speaking to some people from the lifeboat institution down there. And that inspired us because we were due at that time to switch our charities from the ones we had been giving to. We decided there and then to put the RNLI (see main photo) on our list, if only for a finite amount of time, and we have felt a strong sense of satisfaction and joy ever since.
While the biggest barrier to giving more financially for anyone in my position is obviously affordability, my personal connections to charitable causes and the trust I have in the charities I give to is a huge influence. This is reflected in Stewardship’s inaugural Generosity Report launched in June, that found those who trust the causes they support are likely to be more generous to all causes. Similarly, their research found that the main barriers to giving were feeling unable to afford to give and a lack of trust that donations would be used well.
I tend to trust charities that are well established and have a paper trail that demonstrates to me that their methods work, whether its digging wells in Africa or finding homes for the homeless, and at the end of the day I give what feels right to me.
I know I cannot compete with Taylor Swift when it comes to how much I give, but generosity isn’t about quantity, it’s about mindset, and I’m grateful that I’m able to give the little that I can to help make the world a better place. Imagine what would happen if we were all able to do the same.
Main Photo Credit: Val Fraser (bronze statue of Welsh lifeboatman Richard Evans located at RNLI Moelfre)
Extract from the Prologue of The Last Laugh by Steve Legg:
It’s the film most often voted number one in the top-ten movies of all time by viewers and critics alike. I’m talking about The Shawshank Redemption. You will almost certainly be familiar with it, so I don’t need to say any more than that it’s a story based on one of Stephen King’s tales about prisoners who leave their mark on the institutions in which they’re incarcerated. In the case of Shawshank (as it’s affectionately known), the film focuses on a man called Andy (Tim Robbins) who is wrongfully arrested, charged, sentenced, and then imprisoned for the murder of his wife and her lover. In prison, his life is improved by the formation of a friendship with Red (Morgan Freeman). In many ways, Shawshank is a buddy movie, and part of its appeal is its celebration of an unlikely friendship between two men – one white, the other black.
There are so many famous quotes in Shawshank, some of which have entered our everyday vocabulary. One of the best-known and loved is the word of wisdom uttered by Andy and remembered later by his friend Red, which goes something like this: “We all have a choice. We have to get busy doing one of two things: living or dying.”
I would also add laughing or crying here. If you’re going to busy yourself with living, then busy yourself with laughing as well. That’s the choice every inmate of Shawshank State Prison has. They can either choose to accept the situation and find ways to live rather than merely exist, to thrive rather than merely survive, or they can give in to the despair that surrounds them on every side, like the walls of their cells. Andy chooses to busy himself with living. As does Red. This book is about the two-year journey I’ve been on since I received that initial news, then that the cancer had spread to multiple locations in my body, and later that I had only five months to live. That was a kind of sentence. Some of you may think it was a death sentence. Later in this book, I’ll tell you otherwise. I chose to get busy living, not dying. I chose to get busy laughing, not crying. And I also chose to get busy writing.
The Last Laugh by Steve Legg is available from Amazon or Eden.
Digital Editor’s Note: I’m very honoured to welcome paramedic, Joe Hill (pictured on the left below) as our Guest Writer. In this painfully honest account, Joe shares the difficult story of losing his son Levi, and how, in spite of the crushing grief, he is moving forward.
Joe writes: Hi; I’m a paramedic in Cumbria. In March 2024, our family’s life changed forever when our son Levi died suddenly at 32 weeks and was stillborn a couple of days later. As a family, we were devastated beyond words. In the aftermath of our loss, we were surrounded by the love and support of our friends, family, colleagues and church community. Their kindness and compassion helped us navigate our grief and find strength in our darkest moments and we will be forever grateful.
During this heart-wrenching time, the maternity team at West Cumberland Hospital were incredible. They guided us through those unbearable days with compassion and care, making the impossible just a little more bearable. We spent precious time with Levi in the Bluebell Suite, a special room at the hospital named for the beautiful picture of bluebells at Rannerdale Knots that hangs on the wall. It was in this room that we held our son for the first and last times, confronting the overwhelming reality of our grief. The bluebells at Rannerdale Knots have since become a special place for us, a symbol of our love for Levi and a place where we can feel connected to him.
The Challenge – June 14th 2025
In the wake of our tragedy, I was determined to find a way to create something positive from our loss. To channel my grief and honour Levi’s memory, I decided to embark on a personal challenge: Levi’s Loop. The cycling challenge is to ride to every ambulance station in Cumbria, the top of Hardknott Pass, the top of Great Dun Fell, and a pass by Rannerdale Knots – all within 24 hours. The route is just over 280miles with somewhere between 5000m and 8000m of ascent depending on which planning App you believe.
Levi’s Loop is not just about raising money; it’s about creating a lasting memorial for Levi and using our collective strength to support others. I’ll be recruiting riders to join me for sections of the route, providing company and safety. This challenge is set for June 2025 giving us all time to train and prepare. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or new to the sport, your participation is welcome.
The Charities
In the weeks following Levi’s death, we were introduced to Team Evie, a charity that offered us invaluable peer support. This organization, based in Cumbria, supports community nursing teams, local hospitals, and the intensive care ward at the RVI in Newcastle. They aim to make hospital stays more bearable for families and poorly children, and provide much-needed support to bereaved parents. The compassion and understanding we found through Team Evie gave us a lifeline during our darkest days.
As a paramedic, I’ve seen first hand the toll that mental health struggles can take on individuals. Ambulance staff regularly face traumatic situations, and over time, this can significantly impact our mental health. Before Levi’s death, I was already a strong advocate for staff health and well-being, organizing fitness challenges and promoting healthy lifestyles. Good diet, sleep, and the willingness to talk openly about mental health are crucial for our well-being. Levi’s death challenged me immensely, but through good support and a willingness to face the grief and talk openly about it I’ve managed to avoid complete despair.
I hope to use my situation to encourage conversation and peer support among my colleagues and relieve some of the stigma of admitting you’re struggling. This is why I am also raising money for The Ambulance Staff Charity (TASC). TASC provides a range of mental, physical, and financial services to support the well-being of the UK’s ambulance staff, including those on the road, in control rooms, and in support roles.
All donations will be split equally between Team Evie and TASC.
My hope is that this challenge will grow and be undertaken by others, as individuals or as teams, so that Levi’s memory can live on and continue to inspire positive change. Through this challenge, I aim to create a lasting memorial for Levi, turning our grief into a force for good. Your support can help us make a meaningful impact on the lives of families and ambulance staff in need.
To find out more and to help honour Levi’s memory please visit:
Pink with Dia De Muertos Accent Shirt (main photo)
Dia de Muertos, or ‘Day of the Dead,’ is a day of mourning which originated in Mexico. However, it is much less solemn than most wakes and is portrayed as a holiday of joyful celebration rather than mourning. So, there you go – happy skulls.
£115 blakemill.co.uk
Keeping It Cool Shirt
This shirt really does have it all. The linen-mix fabric keeps you cool, the shape keeps it smart, and the lemon colourway (pictured above) and added light pink details bring in the joy of the season. Whether you wear it buttoned up or turn up the sleeves and style it over a t-shirt, this long-sleeved shirt will keep you looking great and feeling cool this summer.
£35 joebrowns.co.uk
Tatterset Water Repellent Quarter Zip Sweatshirt
This is a water-repellent, quarter-zip stretch sweatshirt (pictured above). It is made of eco-friendly recycled polyester with a handy hidden zipped side pocket. It feels super soft, is water-resistant, and is quick to dry. All in all, here’s a classic men’s sweat made for seasonal transitions
