Winter
Report 2009
I
hope that you all had a very enjoyable
summer. The weather has not been exactly brilliant, at least it was not
in South Yorkshire, but I think that September has been warm and dry in
most parts of the country. If you live in one of those areas where it
has been wet and windy, I apologise! As I expect most of you will be
aware, I shall be retiring as Chair of Broken Rites at the AGM in April
2010. As we now only have two publications of the Rite Lines each year –
one in June and the other in October – this will be my last “From the
Chair”. I shall however, write an article for the Annual Report which
comes out in the spring. It has been a great privilege to be Chair of
Broken Rites. I have met many interesting people and made some very good
friends. Committee members have been wonderfully supportive; we have
initiated several new developments and I hope encouraged Broken Rites to
look to the future while being very mindful of what has been achieved in
the past. One of the highlights for me was the 25th Anniversary
Celebration. I still cannot quite believe that we managed, with all your
help, to arrange such a very successful day.
When I first became Chair I had never
chaired a meeting in my life. Nor had any idea really how to use a
computer. I mention this because throughout the past three and a half
years I have developed new skills, which, I think, are essential as we get
older and when it is so easy to lose confidence! An important part of the
ethos of Broken Rites is that while we support members and potential
members through bad times, we also need to celebrate our achievements such
as Frieda being accepted for VSO and Nina’s plans for her project in
Brazil. Life does not end with divorce or separation, and even modest
successes and challenges are cause for celebration. So please be proud
of your achievements and the good things that happen to you and let’s
celebrate them!
As regards computers, I should like to pay
tribute to my neighbours, Paul and Jo, who have come to my rescue many
times and helped me when I have got stuck. There are many unknown and
unsung heroes out there who support our organisation.
Pension
Survey
As you may be aware, our President Frank
Field has been keen for some time now for us to undertake a Pension
Survey. A Questionnaire will be coming shortly to all members of Broken
Rites irrespective of denomination and whether they are retired or not. A
letter accompanying the Questionnaire will give further information and
set out the purpose of this initiative in more detail. The Questionnaire
is being distributed by post. Please complete this if you can and return
it to Frank in the addressed envelope provided. I hope you feel that a
Pension Survey is worthwhile.
Diocese in Europe
Gillian Ratcliff the Bishop’s Visitor for
the Diocese in Europe has written an article, including details about
Broken Rites which will be published in November in the European Anglican
which is the Diocesan Magazine. As you will be aware, Viv is now
Regional Rep for Europe.
Church Leaders’ Appeal 2009
The Bishops’ Appeal is now known as the
Church Leaders’ Appeal as being more representative of our
organisation. Appeal letters were sent out in July and August this year
and approximately £3050 plus 225.00Euros have been received so far at the
time of writing (the beginning of October). This is excellent news and
hopefully some more donations will come in before the end of the financial
year.
AGM
2010
As I mentioned in the last Rite Lines next
year’s AGM will be held at St Mark’s Broomhill, in Sheffield on 24th April
(Easter Sunday is 4th April). We have heard that Kathy Galloway has
accepted our invitation to be our speaker at the AGM. Kathy is a Church
of Scotland Minister, a well known writer and until recently was the
Leader of the Iona Community which is based in Glasgow and at the Abbey on
the Island of Iona in Scotland. We are very privileged that Kathy has
found time in her busy schedule to join us on 24th April, and we hope that
some of her books will be on display at the AGM and available for members
to order or buy should you wish to do so.
I have prepared some information about
Sheffield including details of St Mark’s, maps, tourist information
numbers, hotels/guest houses, travel suggestions etc. which I have emailed
or given to your Regional Rep and asked them to pass this information onto
you. If you do not have a Regional Rep or this information does not reach
you, please contact me on 0114 2682980 or email me at
chair@brokenrites.org and I
will see that you get a copy. A summary of this information will be
included with the Annual Report and final details for the AGM in the
spring of next year.
Sheffield is a beautiful city with many
lovely parks and open spaces. There is easy access by rail, road and good
connections to local airports. The Peak District is near by so think
about a week-end break perhaps! We are hoping that because Sheffield is
in the centre of the country, members who do not usually come to an AGM
will give it a try. The faithful regulars who turn up every year are also
very welcome!
Although it is only October, Christmas
will be upon us sooner than we think! I hope that you all have a very
happy Christmas and that the New Year will bring you many blessings.
Christmas can be a difficult time for our members, so if you are feeling
lonely or distressed please do not hesitate to contact me, your Link or
Regional Rep or any member of the Committee.
With warmest good wishes to you all,
Rosie