Holland House, our local Christian houseof hospitality, is a treasure and we are privileged that it's in the Diocese ofWorcester. And its also well-placed as a resource for our neighbouringdioceses, for churches of all traditions and for people of other faiths andnone.
No retreat and conference centre runs onair and we have sadly witnessed many close during the last generation. Holland House's valuable old building and its lovely grounds needconstant upkeep and a continual process of improvements is always under way. Allthis comes down to the need for financial support.
The Friends of Holland House, of whichIve had the privilege of being Chair for two years, contributes significantlyto the additional needs of the House. I let it slip to Ian Spencer, the Warden,that Id been my colleges Captain of Boats for a year when I was a student. Thatresulted in my tidying up the Houses rowing boat, Maria, and our firstsponsored row down the Avon from Cropthorne to Tewkesbury in 2017. It wasa lovely September day, the sun shining on a gently-flowing river. Last year,diary commitments delayed the row until mid-October and it was a showery day onthe Severn from Bewdley to Worcester, rowing into a nasty chill wind - muchless fun than the year before!
This year, 1st August will bea lovely day and all are welcome to the launch at Stratford upon Avon Riversideat 08.30am, and arrival at Cropthorne at about 17.00, where there will be a partywith live music, to which all are invited: see the poster for details. Ifanyone would like to join a support-team, please let Ian know at ian.spencer@hollandhouse.org.
To sponsor us just Google goo.gl/GxaEdior go to Contacts on www.hollandhouse.org.
Bishop Robert Paterson
Holland House
