Nourishing Routes - at the Loreto Centre, Llandudno - with Rev Bob Wilson

A day of walking and spiritual reflection based in the stunning hills of Llandudno, North Wales, with time at the Loreto Centre.

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 10:00 - 16:00, Loreto Centre, Abbey Road, Llandudno, LL30 2EL

Please join us on Thursday 17 July at the Loreto Centre in Llandudno, North Wales, for our next Nourishing Roots event - 'Nourishing Routes'.

Nourishing Roots retreat days, held three times a year, are an opportunity for chaplains in healthcare, prisons, education and beyond to retreat, reflect and recharge spiritually and emotionally from their challenging ministry contexts.

This retreat will be based at the Loreto Spirituality Centre near the stunning coastline of Llandudno, and will include times of reflection alongside guided walks around Great Orme and the surrounding area.

The day will be led by Rev. Bob Wilson, Secretary for Prison Chaplaincy and Free Churches Faith Advisor. Bob is a Baptist minister and Free Churches Faith Advisor to both publicly and privately run prisons. This work sees him regularly visiting all 124 establishments across England and Wales for the pastoral support of Prison Chaplains, and to support prison management. He is also a keen rock climber and outdoors enthusiast, and has many years experience in helping chaplains retreat and reflect on ministry.

The ticket price is £15 for chaplains from FCG denominations and £25 for all others. (Please ask Thandar <thandar.tun@freechurches.org.uk> for an FCG Chaplains discount code).

Please note that refunds can be issued up to 7 days beforehand, but for catering reasons not beyond that date.

The Loreto Centre may be able to offer a limited amount of accommodation before or after the retreat day. Please note on your sign-up form if you are interested in this.

Register your place HERE.

The First CoNNECT Day

Cover image from fauxels - Photography

Chaplaincy: opportunity for Networking, Nurturing, Encouragement and Community Together

Date: 13th February 2025, 10:30 - 16:00

Venue: Free Churches House, 27 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9HH

Cost  £30 per participant to cover the cost of a light lunch/refreshments and administrative costs.

As part of the development of our  “Chaplaincy Hub”, which we hope to grow into a key resource space for those engaged in or exploring chaplaincy this first CoNNECT Day aims to draw together those with an interest in the development of chaplaincy from different settings and perspectives, including church and denominational leaders, suppliers of chaplaincy training and education as well as providers of chaplaincy services (particularly those beyond traditional settings).

The day will include a keynote address from Mark Birch, Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons, input exploring evidencing impact, opportunity to hear stories of chaplains (Pecha Kucha presentations) as well as space to network.

 Timetable

10:30  coffee and pastries

11:00  Welcome

11:15  Introduction to outline and purpose of the day

11:30  Keynote address: Mark Birch

12:15  Q & A

12.30  Lunch

13:30  Pecha Kucha presentations

14:00  Evidencing impact

14:45  Refreshment break

15:15  Next steps: facilitated discussion

15:50  Closing remarks and close

The First CoNNECT Day

Chaplaincy: opportunity for Networking, Nurturing, Encouragement and Community Together.

Thursday 13th February 2025: 10:30 to 16:00. 27 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9HH.

The day includes input from Mark Birch – Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons, Sarah Lane Cawte, Mark Newitt and Bob Wilson Free Churches Group.

This is a day aimed at those with lead responsibilities for chaplaincy, particularly those who work in non-traditional sectors, to come together, share stories, network, and be encouraged. There will be the opportunity to talk with chaplaincy education providers about training needs. If there is other input into the day that you would value, please let us know to help shape our planning.

Booking is to come, but an expression of interest can be made to Thandar Tun at thandar.tun@freechurches.org.uk or 02036518338.

Cost: £30 (including lunch and refreshments).

This event poster is available to download here.