Clergy / Reader Family ‘Connect’ Group

‘Connect’ is a group for spouses and partners of St Albans Clergy, Readers and Diocesan staff. We also welcome spouses and partners from all of these groups who are now retired. We occasionally host events for the whole family.

The group is funded and supported by the Diocesan scheme ‘Support in your Ministry’ (SIM).

Our group meetings are very friendly and informal and so far they have included quiet days, Christmas socials, pub gatherings/quizzes, smaller fellowship groups and country walks- new ideas always welcome!

The group is organised by Julie Bull, Ros Wood, and Judy Salisbury (contact details below) but we are also fortunate in having area coordinators who are very happy to be a friendly voice maybe nearer to home.

Impact on clergy wellbeing on the whole family – draft report

There is a draft document on clergy wellbeing.  It is being prepared by the Sheldon Hub for the Church of England. Responses are requested. Some of the questions relate specifically to the impact of clergy life on the wellbeing not just of the clergy person but on the whole family. This is a real opportunity for those of us with first-hand experience to influence what is put in that document. You can access the draft document here. Download ‘A Covenant for Clergy Care and Wellbeing’. Points 17,18,19 and 25 are deemed most relevant to the ‘Connect’ Group but you may find other sections should also be considered by the group.

Contact details:

Connect Planning group:

St Albans: Julie Bull

Tel: 07988 636309; Email Julie

Ampthill and Shefford: Ros Wood

Tel: 01582 883277; Email Ros

SIM Representative: Judy Salisbury 

Email Judy

Area Coordinators:

Ampthill and Shefford: Ruth Speller

Tel: 07814053313; Email Ruth

Baldock: Helen Holford

Tel: 01462 896273; Email Helen

Bedford: Carol Norwood

Tel: 07882 8814299; Email: Carol

Cheshunt: Bev Hanshaw

Tel: 07903991782; Email Bev

Dunstable: Jenny Marsh

Tel: 01525 838450; Email Jenny

Hemel Hempstead: Penny Williams

Tel: 07805 197762; Email Penny

Hitchin: Theresa Britt

Tel: 07525 123968; Email: Theresa