This year marked a special milestone for the Christian Resources Exhibition (CRE) as it celebrated its 40th anniversary, and we were delighted to be exhibiting at Sandown Park in Esher. The event brought together churches, ministries, and organisations from across the country, all united by a shared passion for serving God’s people and resourcing Christian communities.

It was wonderful to welcome visitors to our stand and share more about our work supporting older people through our care homes, independent living housing schemes, and the range of resources we offer to help churches engage with and care for their older members. Many were interested to hear how our Christian ethos underpins everything we do, shaping the daily life of our homes and inspiring our later life materials and other church resources.

Throughout the exhibition, the atmosphere was lively and full of energy as we chatted with visitors, answered questions, and shared stories. We also took the opportunity to interview people about older individuals who have had a lasting impact on their lives. Hearing those personal reflections was deeply moving and reminded us just how much wisdom, faith, and encouragement older generations continue to bring to our communities. See video.

We were thrilled by the number of people who signed up to receive our email updates and subscribed to The Pilgrims’ Magazine. It was so encouraging to see how many visitors wanted to stay connected and learn more about our work. We also enjoyed speaking with other organisations exhibiting at the event, including the Bible Society, Faith in Later Life, and Samaritan’s Purse. It was inspiring to share experiences, ideas, and encouragement with others who are equally passionate about faith in action.

As the event came to a close, we left Sandown Park feeling grateful for the many conversations, connections, and moments of inspiration we experienced throughout the week. CRE’s 40th anniversary was a wonderful celebration of faith and fellowship.

We look forward to exhibiting again next year.