Residents return to Chester Racecourse for second Annual Conference

Tuesday, 22nd October will see Chester Residents’ Associations Group holding its second annual conference ‘CRAG24’ at Chester Racecourse, with a theme of ‘Chester: On the Move'.

The event is free to attend for Chester residents.

Following on from the highly successful inaugural conference last year – organised and delivered by residents for residents, with over 150 attending – the dialogue will continue about how residents, together with other local stakeholders, can help to shape Chester’s future, whilst making sure that the city of now is the best it can be.

Keynote presentations, interactive panel discussions and residents’ roundtables will explore topics such as the River Dee, culture and heritage, together with an update on the One City Plan, all of which were identified as being crucial following feedback from the first conference.  A diverse list of speakers and panellists includes: Professor Eunice Simmons, vice-chancellor at University of Chester; Suzie Henderson, creative director at Storyhouse; Councillor Richard Beacham, deputy chair, CWaC; newly appointed Kathy McArdle, director of place and growth, CWaC; Tony Barton, architect and historic buildings consultant, Donald Insall Associates and Dave Southern, chair of Chester Buskers Association.  

Also, new for 2024, the conference will welcome local students as young citizens. The cost of the conference (including lunch for the students)is being supported by a range of sponsors and contributors including, Chester Business Club (CBC),Chester Race Company (CRC) and local councillors from Cheshire West and Chester (CWaC). 

Jan Chillery, chair of CBC and partner at law firm, Aaron & Partners, who is chairing the morning’s River Dee session, said:

“The CBC is delighted to support CRAG’s second conference. This event will be vital in helping shape the direction in which our great city is heading.”

Mike Hogg, chair of CRAG commented:

“The objective of this conference is to open up the conversation to a wider Chester audience to come together, extending and advancing knowledge, to find remedies to some of our more challenging and complex issues. So, whether you’re a new or returning delegate, I’d urge you to attend, have your voice heard and make a difference.”

To find out more, or to book your place, visit: 

https://www.crag.uk/conference/  

Chester Residents’ Associations Group:  

https://www.crag.uk/ 

Formed in 2019 as an umbrella organisation, CRAG comprises over 20 residents’ groups from within – and nearby – the city walls, with the singular mission to make Chester an even better place to live, work, play and learn. CRAG works with a number of local stakeholders such as Cheshire Constabulary and Cheshire West and Cheshire Council – as well as Chester BID and local businesses – to develop strategies and proposals to help address the issues identified by its members.

Pictured - CRAG inaugural 2023 conference, with speakers and delegates at The County Long Room at Chester Racecourse.