AROUND THE SOUTH EAST Regional news and events in Beds, Berks, Bucks, Herts and Oxon
A day in the life of a regional coordinator
Abigail Knowles is based in Oxford – here we get a glimpse into what her work involves
How did you come to work for Christian Aid? I was a gap year volunteer in the Southampton office last year, doing youth and student work. I had a really exciting year including visiting Christian Aid partners in Kenya and going to the climate change summit in Copenhagen. I loved it so much I really wanted to stay on and applied for this job.
What’s the best thing about your job? I love getting out and meeting supporters of all ages. The efforts made to help the world’s poorest people are amazing. Recently, the Licensed Victuallers’ Junior School in Ascot raised £3,458 in support of our Winds of Change Harvest Appeal. Every child filled jam jars with donations from family and friends – and made windmills when they learned about the work of Christian Aid partners in Afghanistan. Another school, Wellington College, raised more than £2,500 with a sponsored reading of the entire King James Bible in celebration of its 400th anniversary.
School Chaplain Reverend Forbes Walker with children from the Licensed Victuallers’ Junior School, Ascot, and the windmills they made when learning about the work of Christian Aid in Afghanistan
Licensed Victuallers’ School
What does an average day look like? A lot of what we do is about supporting local churches and Christian Aid groups, helping them to give, act and pray for Christian Aid. It could be offering ideas for getting more collectors in Christian Aid Week, helping bring poverty and justice issues into worship, giving a talk or organising an event.
EVENTS THURSDAY 7 APRIL AND SATURDAY 9 APRIL Latin American nights 7.30-10.30pm, South Hill Centre, Hemel Hempstead (Thursday) St Luke’s Church, Watford (Saturday) Music, dance, food, Fairtrade wine and a chance to hear about Christian Aid’s work in Nicaragua. Contact Abi Knowles on 01865 246818 or email aknowles@ christian-aid.org MAY Sponsored walks for Christian Aid Week Saturday 7 May – East Herts Registration 8.30-9.30am, Start St John’s Hall, Hertford
SG13 8AE. Split into five sections, so you can walk from 5 to 42 km. Contact Liz Horner on 01920 465714 or email lilacre@ ntlworld.com or register at christianaid.org.uk/walks Saturday 14 May – Chinnor Start 9.30am, St Andrews Church Hall, Chinnor OX39 4PG Walk 10 or 20 km along stunning Oxfordshire footpaths. Contact Jessica Hall on 01865 246818 or jhall@christian-aid.org Saturday 21 May – Walk the country Registration 8.30-10.30am, Start Bix Village Hall RG9 6BS.
Walk 5, 10, or 15 miles through lovely Oxfordshire countryside. Contact John Russell on 01189 783232 or register at christianaid.org.uk/walks TUESDAY 10 MAY Church Leaders theology and consultation event 9am-1pm, Hertfordshire. This is a chance for you to grapple with theology around the issue of poverty, hear more about Christian Aid and for us to hear from you. (Venue tbc) Contact Jessica Hall, as before WEDNESDAY 18 MAY Praying for Justice Starts 10am, Oxford Prayer
Rooms, Catacombs, Little Gate Street, Oxford. Join us during Christian Aid Week as we pray for God’s justice around the world, and for those living in poverty. Drop in any time during the day or for prayers in the evening. Contact Jessica Hall, as before THURSDAY 30 JUNE The Mikado 7.30pm, Witney Congregational Church. A costumed concert by Kennington Church choirs. Free entry, with collection for Christian Aid. Contact Pip Cartwright on 01993 703717 or email pipcar@aol.com
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