BROKEN RITES

 

Reports from the Regions from Regional Reps

Report from Wales - April 2012

Members have not met but there has been contact between them this year.  Monica, who has been the Regional representative, is now taking on the task of Non-Anglican representative which is a national role and so, having moved from Cheshire to Wales on retirement, I am taking over as Representative for Wales.  We will, however, work together as most of the members in Wales come under both headings!

Dilys

North East & North Central Regions - Autumn 2011

We have managed to meet at last!  Cilla, in York, kindly allowed us to converge at her flat. That was very much appreciated.  As we are all so spread out, meeting up is tricky. However, four of us enjoyed a really good chat.  We have arranged another meeting for November 12th, before the winter weather arrives!  There should be about 8 or 9 of us so that should be really good.                      Heather


Report from London and the South East - April 2012

Christine the link for Canterbury, continues to hold lunches for members who live locally and I was delighted to be able to go in January and meet all who were there including one of the Canterbury Bishop’s Visitors.  Christine has arranged another lunch on Tuesday 21st August 2012. If any member would like to go, please ring her nearer the time on 01227 831468.


In the London area, we continue to enjoy the occasional Sunday lunch together although the last one had to be cancelled because of icy weather.

Ann


Report from the Central Midlands

We met in the Autumn for a lunch together with our Diocesan visitor and welcomed two new members, both with young families, so they could share some of the difficulties in bringing children up as a single parent most of the time. Laughter seemed to be the order of the day and it certainly opened up some of the struggles and hurts suffered along the way as well as transforming the present moment! Usually we just have an annual event but often two or three of us meet for coffee, chat and mutual support.


Report from the North Group - Autumn 2012


It has been difficult for us to meet as much this year. Two of our group are still working full time and everyone has busy lives, some with families, their church activities and voluntary work. We have reduced our meetings to two per year and met in the summer at Sylvia’s home in Grange-over-Sands. At Christmas-time a small group got together at the Toby Inn at Lancaster. The Links keep in touch with those unable to meet because of distance. Our faithful friend Chris has had to curtail her activities because of illness and treatment and she is in our thoughts and prayers as I write this in her absence.

Rosemary


Report from the East Midlands - April 2012


There are tw
enty members living in the region. Our lunchtime gatherings have brought between seven and  eleven members together to exchange opinions, ideas,  experiences and general chat about Life's Journey so far.  There is a continuing interest in the changing role of Broken Rites particularly with regard to campaigning for and meeting change, as well as providing support to all in need. I hope that there will be a good representation of the region at the AGM on the 12th of May.


Thank you to Christine, Rae, Rosie, Mary and Ruth for the support you give in your role as Links.


Report from the North West

There is very little to report this year – we are a region of members mostly of fairly long standing and spread rather thinly, geographically speaking. We have not managed to organise any joint activity or meetings, but there is some support and contact between individuals.This is my last report as North West regional rep, as later in the year I will be moving into North Wales.   It has been a privilege to be able to serve Broken Rites in this way, I have made good friends and I hope to keep in touch. 


Report from Ireland - April 2012

There have been no new contacts this year although we are all too aware that marriage breakup has not gone away here.  Concern remains for those clergy spouses who find themselves under stress at, or approaching, retirement particularly where there is no common property held because of tied housing.  Spouses on limited income have little option but to stay in difficult circumstances unless offspring are prepared to step in and offer support.  This too can become an issue of tension or division.   Helen


Report from the South West - April 2012

Activities and referrals continue to keep the South West region busy.

I am grateful for the support I have had from others in the region staying in contact with and offering support to new referrals.  This especially, as I needed to devote time to research and write a major project for my MA.  Life doesn’t stand still for too long although sometimes it might feel that way and then suddenly we are taken out of our comfort zone.  Decisions have to be taken and it is nice to be able to speak with somebody who has had a similar experience.

Solveig

Report from Scotland - April 2012

Greetings from Scotland

We are a small group who come from all over Scotland, from the far north to the lowland borders.  We meet two or three times a year in Edinburgh.  Our meetings are held in a lovely hotel which overlooks Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh Castle. The meetings are informal and we chat over morning coffee and later over lunch.  We begin with Broken Rites business and then it is time for catching up with news and for our newer members to share what they are going through.  There are four ladies who come to every meeting, sometimes the only members present!  Other members join them when they can and new ladies come along from time to time.  Once new people have been to a few meetings, we try to encourage them to become members of Broken Rites


The Church of Scotland has a General Assembly each year in May, which is attended by Ministers, Elders and other Church of Scotland leaders.   Broken Rites has been represented there for about eight years and once again this year, faithful as ever, Nancy Hughes, will be in attendance, probably with another of our members.  Broken Rites leaflets are given to every delegate at the Assembly and the ladies are on hand to answer any questions.  This is a good way to make people aware of Broken Rites and we feel the need to continue proclaiming the news that marriage breakdown is sadly, still happening within the ministry.  It also ensures that Church of Scotland Ministers are aware of the work of Broken Rites. 


At
present we have three new ladies coming to our meetings in Edinburgh.  One of our members is in a nursing home.  We keep in contact with her so that she still feels part of the group.  We have support from previous members, who are still willing to give back the help they received and we keep in touch with each other between meetings by phone, e-mail and letters.  Distance does not hinder our friendship which has grown deeper over the years.

All in all, the Scottish group is a friendly, supportive group who share in the sorrows and joys of all our members. We all share one faith and the love we have for the Lord Jesus Christ.

        Patricia