What Makes Chester Tick
An event organised by residents for residents
Tuesday 14 October 2025
8:30am to 4:30pm
The County Long Room, Chester Racecourse, CH1 2LY
Introduction
Great cities like Chester and their neighbourhoods possess a particular kind of intensity – what we might call the ‘character’, ‘buzz’, or ‘atmosphere’ that develops over time and is often unique. One way to understand these qualities is to consider what’s changing, how we are embracing transition, new ideas, and services to improve social cohesion and economic life. Essentially, the question is ‘what makes Chester tick’ and how this fosters a sense of belonging and connection between the city, its features, and its people. Through each session, we will explore the most important insights for residents, the progress made, the options for shaping the future, and highlight interventions that could steer Chester towards a more beneficial, prosperous, and inclusive future.
Today’s programme will address this key question, and I hope it will both inspire and inform you as delegates. Enjoy the conference, and please share your views and thoughts.
Mike Hogg
Chair CRAG 25
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CRAG Survey: Young Person's Views on the One City Plan 2025
Confirmed Speakers and Panellists
Jamie Christon
CEO Chester Zoo
Cllr. Richard Beacham
Deputy Leader, CW&C
Sal Thirlway
Director of Education and Inclusion CW&C
Tayla Aspden
Student QPHS and CBC Young Vision Award winner 2025
Dee Denton
CEO Kidsbank
Councillor Katrina Kerr
Leaders Champion CW&C
MORNING PROGRAMME
08.30 – 09.00 hrs, Arrival and Registration
with refreshments
Conference Summons and Proclamation
The Chester Town Crier
09.00 – 09.15 hrs Conference Introduction and Welcome
Mike Hogg, conference and CRAG chair
Louise Stewart, Chief Executive, Chester Race Company Ltd
09.15 – 09.45 hrs Keynote Address: What makes a City Tick.
Jamie Christon, Chief Executive, Chester Zoo
09.45 – 10.45 hrs Session 1: Time for a Change – an interactive session with updates on key OCP projects
The One City Plan (OCP) is Chester’s primary strategy for guiding the city’s development and community wellbeing. First published in 2012 and revised in 2022, it now acts as a blueprint for civic engagement. The interactive session will brief attendees on progress across its five working groups: Being In, Connecting, Experiencing, Making, and Visiting.
Session Chair and Introduction
Cllr. Richard Beecham, CWaC deputy chair and the Leaders. Champion for the One City Plan. Working Group speakers include Andy Farrell, Rachel Foster, and Colin Potts
10.45 – 11.15 hrs Morning coffee and networking
11.15 – 12.15 hrs Session 2: Building our Future Today.
This session provides an opportunity for young citizen speakers to share feedback and perspectives on the OCP and the conference theme. They will present observations about Chester, propose potential directions for future development, and discuss how collaboration may contribute to changes in the city.
Session Chair and Introduction
Sal Thirlway, Director of Education & Inclusion, CWaC
Summer Ainscough, Former Vice-President, University of Chester Students’ Union.
Participating Schools and presenters include:
Queens Park High School: Tayla Aspden (CBC Young Vision Award Winner 2025)
Blacon High School: (tba)
Christleton High School: Ryder Kaye-Drummond
Kings School: (tba)
Queens School: (tba)
Upton High School: (tba)
12.15 – 12.30 hrs Session 3: Morning Roundup Discussion
Rob Hulme, chair Commonhall RA and CRAG member
12.30 – 13,45 hrs Lunch Break and Networking
Enjoy a hot buffet lunch (including vegetarian option) served by Chester Race Company, followed by a Lunchtime Conference Prize Quiz hosted by Quizmaster Andrew Kendall
AFTERNOON PROGRAMME
13.45 – 14.15 hrs Session 4: City Heartbeat.
This session will explore how social connection and well-being shape cities and tackle urban issues. Contributors will link OCP themes to real-world case studies and examples.
Session Chair and Introduction
Cllr Katrina Kerr, CWaC Leaders Champion
Session Contributors:
Chester Aid to the Homeless, Robert Whittall, Chief Executive
Chester Women’s Aid, Rachel Lewis, Chair of Trustees
Hospice of the Good Shepherd, Justin Caroe, Head of Fundraising
Kidsbank, Dee Denton, Chief Executive
14.45 hrs Afternoon Break: Refreshments and networking opportunity
15.10 – 15.15 hrs, Quiz Award Ceremony The Chester Town Crier & Andrew Kendall
Quiz Prizes kindly donated by the Rooftop Social Club
15.15 – 16.15 hrs, Session 5: Ask the Audience
Delegates can join group discussions on key Conference and OCP topics. Facilitators will present the group’s findings to the conference. This session offers a chance to participate and share your views.
Session Chair and Moderator
Gemma Davies, Director of Economy and Housing, CW&C
Roundtable Facilitators:
Councillors representing wards in or adjacent to Chester
16.15 hrs Conference Closing Remarks and Farewell
Mike Hogg, conference and CRAG Chair
CONFERENCE DETAILS
Parking:
Free parking is available for delegates at the racecourse, courtesy of Chester Race Company (entrance via Crane St). Paid parking options include Linenhall Car Park (St Martins Way) and New Market Car Park.
Booking
Admission to the Conference is complimentary, with morning coffee and afternoon tea generously provided by the Chester Race Company. A hot buffet lunch is available at a cost of £18.50 per person, payable upon registration.
Registration
Register for the Conference through the Ticket Tailor booking site on the CRAG website (www.crag.uk).