News from our North East hub, where we used to only have just 1 chaplain!

However, more are needed both here and around the waterways network!

“Hi, although not working with boaters but riverside residents I have been blessed with conversations I have had. Not just the support I have been asked for but being able to know what to say. The words just appear. Certainly, God provides the words, and moments of out of the blue, coincidental meetings which take me by awe each time.

My little toddler group has continued with the children becoming great friends. Parents talking to each other about school choices, what is on locally and best of all meeting up with each other. Also, I had the privilege of writing reflections for the Stations of the Nativity. Arranged by members of St Hugh’s Catholic Church in Lincoln, the story of the Nativity is read with a reflection afterwards, accompanied by a fitting work of art shown by projector.

Whilst I’m not within the boating community I feel I am able to offer a witness. 
Wishing you a peaceful Christmas and New Year. God bless, Tina. “

Hub lead Sally Davies… “Its just getting out and being there for people… a friendly face.  If you walk a stretch regularly you do get to know one or two people… they’ll chat.  Some people don’t see anyone else all day … for them its a chance to talk… to have a bit of company.”

3 Stories of our work on our waterways

Johnny writes: “I had a good chat with B today, he lives in Supported Housing, and works in their charity shops.  B was telling me that yesterday a cyclist fell into the canal at 4pm.  He was going too fast and lost control and fell in! “ B and I talked about the things he likes to do, and we even had a conversation about faith, which B instigated.  He asked me for a bible, so I gave him a Good News New testament.  B has asked me to pop round to the charity shop for a coffee tomorrow after doing my Chaplaincy Waterways slot.  I said I will bring a Chaplaincy Waterways flyer, so the staff there know what we do.   I had a quick chat with S who owns a boat.  He plans to set off again in a couple of weeks time.  I also had a quick chat with a guy called K.  He was visiting the city again and was taking pictures with his camera.  He told me he loves coming down to the city when he can, as he really enjoys walking along the canal.

A conversation with an ex-forces gentleman

Phil writes: I met one guy called P who used to be in the forces. He had been involved in the Falklands conflict. He has killed people in conflict which was either kill or be killed. This has affected him deeply. He also witnessed the fire on the ship Sir Galahad and seeing so many men killed or badly burnt. The hell of it all, the cost of human life and the carnage of it all. He does suffer from ptsd. He was very tearful at times. I listened as he poured out his heart and the pain in his voice. He is a great guy suffering with his past. He has been on a retreat at a monastery which did help. He was grateful for me listening and being there. We did talk about other things and make light of some aspects of life. I hope I see him again.

WWC Carole writes: I had a referral through the website to deal with.  It involved a boat in a marina with a parent letting their son live in the boat temporarily so he didn’t become homeless and this broke the terms of the agreement with the marina owner. The son has now moved off the boat but the marina was not willing to compromise. Another problem is that the boat cannot be moved until some repairs are done. I offered to act as mediator if there is no further progress made but I can’t make any promises about success, but I’m happy to listen!