People were welcomed into the Church House Conference Centre with tea and coffee and were invited to take part in question and answer surgeries with MDC Care Advisors and view research posters produced by young scientists whose projects are funded by the charity. People then took part in workshops held on a number of key issues including campaigns, policies and fundraising. Children were entertained in the crèche where numerous works of art were produced.

Speeches in the main hall from Rt Hon Kevin Barron MP and Dr Ros Quinlivan, amongst others, were inspiring and well received. Charity president Sue Barker gave a fantastic speech in which she thanked some of the supporters who do outstanding work for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, including the Stockdales, the Andrews and Linda Ball.

Fast facts

Peet's Coffee and Tea is holding a grand opening celebration Oct. 6 and celebrating with free coffee and tea all day. The new location is at 1075 Court St. (the former home of Mo's Smokehouse BBQ). As part of a chain, Peet's serves high-quality beans hand roasted in Santa Barbara. Customers can also receive a free half-pound of Columbian blend beans with the purchase of any espresso drink. Stop by the Friday and Saturday after the grand opening for more free beans and coffee, respectively. Info: 597-9478.

Blessed are the animals on Oct. 7 at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Atascadero. In honor of St. Francis of Assisi (the patron saint of animals and the environment) St. Luke's is holding a blessing of the animals. All creatures two-legged, four-legged, three-legged, and feathered are invited to come on a leash or similarly appropriate restraint and receive a blessing.