Dear Friends,

Many of you will have kept up to date with the developments of the past 9 months, but some are eager to find out what has been happening and how the project stands now.
The lease was signed; the first year’s rent of £5,500 paid and so we became leaseholders on January 1st 2003.
Several people offered practical help as well as supporting us financially through donation and remembering the work of the Trust in their prayers. The Committee are very grateful to you for your encouragement and support. We now have 5 teams who are committed to using their skills for the Trust.

1. The Spirituality Team
2. The Housekeeping Team
3. The Refurbishment Team
4. The Media, Publicity & Fund-raising Team
5. The Financial Team
6. The Outdoor/Gardening Team

If you can offer practical help please let Evelyn know.

We now have full Charitable Trust status and so can apply for grant aid from Trusts and Charities.

• The House has been refurbished in a simple and appropriate way and the kitchen is now in line with the requirements of Health & Safety regulations.
• The Hermitage will be made more suitable for single occupancy, with a new bed and better bookshelves and floor covering.
• The Cowsheds will be used as a worship space with a simple table Altar and moveable seating.
• The Oratory needs a new wood–burning stove and interior painting, but will remain much as it is.
• The Gardens are now weeded and restored, with further work to be done and the quiet garden has been cleared and restored.

The garden needs seats and again an outdoor seat or bench would be a lasting memorial.

There are several Group Retreats in the house this year as well as weeks set aside for religious or contemplatives and open weeks for those who just want to rent a room, self-cater and be quiet. A list of dates is enclosed.

This has not been an easy year for raising money and many of our friends from abroad are not coming in 2003 because of fears of terrorist attacks. The low interest rates mean that many people have lost the ability to give to worthwhile projects and the war in Iraq has focussed our minds on other things. However, I am continuing to fund raise and to pray that this project will bring many to a place of stillness and peace on the inner and the outer journey.

• Can you let others know what we are doing?
• Can you hold a fund-raising Coffee Morning or Open Garden afternoon for us?
• Have you any good ideas which will help us to develop in the years ahead?
• Can you run a retreat week in 2004 – or do you know someone who can?