Newsletter September 2024

As a Christian charity, we begin all our meetings in prayer with a time for reflection on the aims of our Founder. This is central to all that we do when as Trustees we consider organisations which “heal the sick, comfort the sorrowing and to give faith to the faithless”. This is the heart of Dorothy Kerin’s ministry.

We have supported Thanet Community Churches in Ramsgate with the development of their Corner Garden project. Two of the Trustees were invited to open the completed garden and was officially opened at the end of March this year. A large (100 plus) contingent of not just church members but local people attended the event. The area around this church has been transformed into a welcoming multipurpose, family friendly outside space used by the community who visit the corner and the various projects the church houses and manages. This area has now become a peaceful and welcoming open air space which includes an outdoor classroom, seating area, new shrub and tree planting, a children’s play area and an outdoor BBQ area. This church reaches out and engages into the local community. We look forward to working with them on their next project which is an allotment refurbishment, details of which we will share with you next year. We attach some photos of the event. The churches’ website is : https://thanetcc.org.uk

Photos from the Official Opening of Corner Garden Project

The Matthew 25 mission is a Christian charity which supports vulnerable and marginalised people in Eastbourne. Their garden space offers tranquillity in a deprived area to sit, eat, talk, volunteer and contribute. The garden reflects the ethos of Dorothy Kerin, our founder, in that it improves both spiritual well being and offers opportunities to grow skill sets and find pathways to rebuilding life. With their permission we share a story from Rob who was a homeless drug addict with no ambition to change his lifestyle. The mission staff gave him the support and encouragement he needed to uncover the light at the end of what was a very dark tunnel for him. He states the Matthew 25 mission saved his life. He is now 6 years drug free, volunteers as a gardener and is able to give something back. He has an ambition to set up his own horticultural business. We have funded a potting shed and storage unit and are supporting their application for a Centre Manager in 2025. Their work can be seen on their website www.matthew25mission.org

On the governance front we have been blessed to recruit 2 new trustees : Sarah Partridge and Sarah Raine. Both come with a wealth of experience and will provide us with valuable Trustee skills. Sarah Partridge writes that she is currently an Associate Vicar and has had an association with Burrswood for many years. It began back in about 1990 when she started to work part time as a physiotherapist. Although this was only for a year she always had the feeling and hope that she would return one day as the place deeply touched her heart. She undertook a chaplaincy placement as part of her training for ordained ministry and became Head of the Physiotherapy Department. Like everyone she was very saddened when Burrswood had to shut its doors but feels blessed to be involved in this new way. Sarah Raine says she is thrilled to have been appointed a trustee. Having worked in fundraising for the not-for-profit sector for over 15 years, and before in the corporate world she is well placed to help us move to the next stage of our development. She is passionate about championing causes which provide Christian-based community support and is looking forward to seeking out funders, as well as causes, that fit in with our core values.