Convention 2010

British Doctors’ and Dentists’ Group35^th Annual ConventionWednesday 6^th October to Sunday 10^th October 2010.

Convention Convenor Dr. John Pierson

Convention Registrar Dr. Roger Anderson

bddg@chagford.waitrose.comFamily Representative Dr. Naomi Creutzfeldt-Bandancbanda@hotmail.com The 2010 Annual BDDG Convention will take place in Oxford from 4pm Wednesday 6^th October until 2pm Sunday 10^th October. The venue will be The Barceló Oxford Hotel, Godstow Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX2 8AL. This excellent hotel is situated two miles from the city centre to which there is a frequent bus service. Complimentary car parking is available for resident delegates.Oxford, “city of dreaming spires”, is a historic, diverse and distinctive venue and is probably, worldwide, the second best known city in the UK. The university buildings are magnificent and the shops a joy. Beyond the city there’s the mediaeval town of Woodstock where you will find the impressive Blenheim Palace. You are only a short journey away from the beautiful Cotswolds, so you can mix the tranquillity with the bustle to make the most of this famously beautiful area. The nearest airports are London Heathrow and Birmingham International and there is good public transport from both to Oxford. Getting to Oxford from Heathrow airport by bus takes between 80 and 90 minutes and at time of writing costs £26 GBP return, with a 50% discount for over 60s. By rail it is a more complex process with either a coach to Reading or Watford to pick up the train, or an excursion into Central London.The theme this year is "It works if You work it!" The programme and format will be based on last year’s convention in Liverpool, which, judging from the feedback, was enjoyed and well received. We will run our newcomer’s programme, the main BDDG programme and a separate programme for the Families.There will be three joint meetings, plus the usual “Early Birds” AA meetings and “Night Owls” for AA, NA and Al Anon. The 12 steps will be covered for those who like their annual refresher plus individual sessions with our counsellors Leslie and Rory.There will be an organised excursion on Saturday afternoon followed by evensong at the magnificent Christ Church – Oxford’s cathedral. Fishing and golf as usual. Meetings will still take place as an alternative to social events wherever possible.

PTO

Alasdair will again run the Academic Day. He hopes to invite a number of influential speakers to address the Convention and part of the day will be a follow-up to last year's content reporting on progress made over the last 12 months. More details as they become available.So we extend a warm and welcoming invitation to everyone to join us for the Convention. The atmosphere of fellowship and love at last year’s convention in Liverpool was almost tangible and certainly contagious. Please note the following important details for our 35^th Convention:· Due to astute negotiations, fees for the convention are less than last year!· Single room supplements are lower than last year· Higher discounts if you book before 30th July 2010 · Fairer prices for those attending only part of the convention · Bursary available if you are in difficult financial circumstances. · Bookings can be arranged for any part of the convention, however short.· Improved programmes to cater for those in early recovery and everyone's differing needs in both the BDDG and the Families group. The Bursary fund needs every donation possible, large or small, to help those in early recovery to attend.Many who would benefit greatly from being able to attend the Convention are unable to pay – temporary unemployment, disciplinary problems or ill health being the main causes of this financial embarrassment. Even if you cannot attend yourself, please try to remember what it was like for you personally in early recovery, and give as generously as possible. To donate or to apply for a bursary in total confidence please contact your local BDDG branch secretary or Roger Anderson (bddg@chagford.waitrose.com). Any queries on finance, bursaries, donations or variations in accommodation needs, extra nights before or after the convention, short stays etc., should be addressed to Roger Anderson whose contact details are on the booking form. E-mail communications are much preferred but fax and telephone work pretty well too.

Please keep an eye on our website at www.bddg.org (where the form can be filled in on your computer, saved and e-mailed to Roger).

John, at fluderjohn@hotmail.com or (U.K.) 01803 873272 would be delighted to hear from anyone who is planning to attend and is willing to offer their services at the Convention in any capacity – up front on the platform or behind the scenes!

Yours in fellowship

John Roger Naomi