August-September 2021

Well, we’re back in our building, and it’s great to be able to see everyone in person! I was starting to forget that people I know have legs. Zoom’s a wonderful and useful thing, but it’s fantastic to be able to meet once more. Thank you to everyone contributing to this, whether you’re making the coffee or welcoming on the door, and an especial thanks to David for his hard work to ensure the sound system works!

Thank you to everyone who has been providing their details for Track and Trace. Let me assure you once more that we do keep people’s personal details securely stored, we don’t share them with anyone and after three weeks the information people provide for Track and Trace is destroyed.

I’m writing this on 18th July ahead of the relaxation of Covid-19-related restrictions on Monday 19th July. Given the recent rise in coronavirus infections and the concerns I know many vulnerable people have about whether they will need to restrict themselves and perhaps even

shield to protect themselves, I’m not certain ‘Freedom Day’ is the best name for it. Although we certainly do need to learn how to live in a world with Coronavirus, and make decisions to keep both ourselves and others safe, whether this is the best way of relaxing the restrictions is something we will have to wait and see. Hopefully it is!
As a congregation we’ll continue to have discussions and making sure everyone’s voice is heard, so that we do things in a way that is as safe as we can make it. I am always happy to listen in person, by email at info@newcastleunitarians.org.uk, or by phone at: 07506 255 731.

We’ve also recently added a form to our website for suggestions and complaints. We know not everyone is comfortable giving their views in person, so if you want to give feedback on how things are going without having to give your name, you can do this here: https://newcastleunitarians.org.uk/suggestions/

As we head into August and September, there’s the annual Unitarian Summer School between 21-27 August 2021, although this year it’s online rather than being held at the Nightingale Centre (the Unitarian-owned conference centre and hostel) in Derbyshire. This year’s focus is: ‘Why Are We Here? Discerning our Unitarian Mission in an Upturned World’. The organisers add that: “There will be a worship service at 7pm on Saturday 21 August, led Jane Blackall and the summer school panel, and five daily theme talks at 7pm from Monday 23 – Friday 27 August (given by Rev. Jo James, Shana Begum, Rev. Rory Castle Jones, Rev. Stephen Lingwood, and Rev. Kate Brady-McKenna).” If you’d like to know more, you can sign up to the Summer School mailing list here: https://www.hucklowsummerschool.co.uk/programme/

In August, we’ll be filming our virtual tour of the building to record its history for posterity before it is sold and refurbished, and in September, we’ll be taking part in Tyne and Wear Heritage Open Days between 17-19 September 2021, in which our Grade II* listed building will be open for the public. Volunteers to help show people around will be needed – if you can help, please speak to Ben MacLeod.

As ever, my thoughts are with everyone and I hope that you and your families and loved ones are well – and if not, I hope you are finding the love and support you need. If Newcastle upon Tyne Unitarians can help, you can email us at: info@newcastleunitarians.org.uk, ring: 07506 255 731, or write to us at: Newcastle upon Tyne Unitarians, Ellison Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 8XG. We are keeping an eye on the building and your letter will be collected. Finally, we are here for all our members and will support everyone as best we can! Please do let me know what works best for you.
Louise Reeve,

Chairperson, Newcastle upon Tyne Unitarians