Norfolk college chaplaincy faces financial crisis

The Christian Chaplaincy at Great Yarmouth College is under threat with funds to pay chaplain Margaret Bazely (right) due to run out at the end of May and an urgent appeal for help has been issued.

 

The appeal for help has been put out by the Network Yarmouth website, a sister site to Network Norfolk. Judith Edmonds from the Borough Wide Churches Forum which runs the website, said: “The salary to pay the Chaplain will run out at the end of this month. Churches cannot ignore this desperate situation and lose the benefit of all the fantastic work put in over the past 12 years of College Chaplaincy

 

“In order for it to continue, funding from the churches and other sources within the Borough in the region of £6-7,000 per annum must be raised.  

 

“What about a special collection or, perhaps, give that little bit more or we will lose this chaplaincy among the students.”

 

Margaret has only been in post for a short time but has achieved much already. She reports: “There have been some great opportunities to meet with members of local churches and pool ideas about how we might collaborate to benefit both the college and community. I would be delighted to extend these contacts further

 

“My other duties have included providing one-to-one staff and student support, convening the weekly prayer meeting, meeting senior staff, visits to College Schools and Centres and the Nursery, sitting in on teaching and meeting the Student Union President to plan events.

 

“As you may know, the College recently received a visit from Gordon Brown to see the new Alchemy and Construction buildings. On the subject of alchemy... I witness miracles happening when impressive staff members, offering respect, compassion and care are combined with students bursting (or simmering slowly!) with potential and exciting learning opportunities. Lives are transformed here. I feel very honoured to be entrusted with this work and to see the miracles happening,” said Margaret.