Workshop 3: Gavin Howell and the Torbay Project

Still more than a bit puzzled and concerned by what had just happened in Plenary III, I removed myself to the relative calm of Gavin Howell’s update on the Torbay Project, in which for the past two years he has been funded to support the development of spiritually open-minded communities – in whatever form these take. He commented on how the project has developed, and noted that for some people, the pub or a local hotel is a better setting, as many people he has encountered are seeking a spiritual home, but have had such negative experiences with churches and similar places of worship that a church or chapel will not work for them. A thought-provoking workshop.  

Workshop 4: The Executive Committee

We joined several members of the EC for a workshop looking at how congregations handle change, included how people respond to change in their congregation, what we want to hold on to, and what we wanted to leave behind. Probably questions that all of us should be trying to answer, and perhaps next year I’ll speak on ‘how to sell your building’. (Two tips: don’t trust property developers, and things are generally not made better by involving the solicitors.)

Anniversary Service, led by Rev. Rory Castle-Jones and address by Rev. Ant Howe

For those wondering about what happened to Workshops 5 and 6, I had intended to go, I really had, but I nearly fell asleep on returning to my room, and, deciding I was a bit Unitarian-ed out, I retreated to the relative calm of the swimming pool, along with a few other like-minded souls. We formed an impromptu discussion group on the merits of saunas, sat in restful silence, and paddled about.

Restored after a swim and some dinner, we gathered once more in the County Suite for what may be the single largest UK Unitarian and Free Christian communal act of worship. Led by Rev. Rory Castle-Jones and with the address by Rev. Ant Howe, we welcomed new ministers to the GA Roll, honoured the work of those who have passed, and enjoyed a barnstorming address on refusing to give up on the Unitarian movement we love by Rev. Ant Howe. Inspired and rejuvenated, we donated to the GA Appeal (raising nearly £3000), shook hands with our new Ministers, and repaired to the bar for the odd glass of Malbec and a natter before bed.