The faded glory of the Winter Gardens in Blackpool was the setting for four days of impassioned debate at the National Union of Students (NUS) annual conference this spring.
Emotions were highly charged, opinions freely shared, ideas debated and speeches heckled. In an environment that encourages debate and freedom of speech, it is one of the few places where the Christian Union movement invites as much interest and opportunities as other student societies. This year they operated alongside such groups as the Union of Jewish Students, the Cuban Solidarity Campaign and the Federation of Student Islamic Societies, all keen to engage with the 1,200 or so delegates.
Gareth Davies, UCCF South East Team Leader, with national ministry responsibilities for Christians involved in student politics said: 'Our presence at the conference has a two-fold aim. The first is to make the most of a unique opportunity to talk with students about the good news of Jesus Christ. The second is to make contact with Christians involved in student politics and look for ways to support and encourage them.'
