Weather, Welcomes, and Wheelie Bins: An Affectionate Look Back at the ABTAPL Spring (Usually) Conference

Judith Smith-Blow (nee Powles), in her lively narrative "Weather, Welcomes - and Wheelie Bins," delivers a nostalgic and humorous retrospective on the ABTAPL Spring Conferences from 1978 to 2016. Reflecting that “it's the non-professional aspects of conferences that stick in the memory“, she vividly recounts the memorable experiences and moments that have become a core part of the event’s heritage and forged lasting bonds among members. The account highlights the conference's evolution in terms of themes, venues, and structure, reflecting the growing professionalism in theological librarianship. The article also highlights individuals who have made these gatherings possible, and who were critical to the organisational sustainability of ABTAPL. Through her reflections, Smith-Blow underscores the integral role of the conference in fostering professional relationships and intellectual exchange within the UK theological library community. Christine Love-Rodgers adds an update covering 2016-2025, chronicling the journey of ABTAPL's conferences around the UK and beyond, and the value they have brought to ABTAPL’s members.