A Methodist ‘first’ in south Hampshire is ‘a joyous occasion’

Revd Claire Simpson, Anna Chaplain Heather Carne and Anna Chaplaincy coordinator Marian Muskett

We are delighted that Heather Carne is the first Anna Chaplain in the East Solent and Downs Methodist Circuit, and is working in the Fareham and Stubbington areas.

Heather was commissioned on Sunday 11 June by Revd Claire Simpson at an evening Communion service, and Anna Chaplaincy coordinator Marian Muskett was there as well, taking part in the service. All the Methodist churches in the area were represented and Marian said ‘it was a joyous occasion’.

‘Anna Chaplaincy is a natural continuation of my Methodist pastoral work’, says Heather, ‘which I began two years ago in the East Solent and Downs Methodist Circuit. It also builds upon my musical reminiscence sessions in care homes, sheltered housing and MHA (Methodist Homes) groups that I started nine years ago.’

‘In fact it is a God given opportunity of sharing my life skills and I feel privileged to have this role which I am enjoying so much.’

Garden session with local preschool visiting care home residents.

‘I discovered that a local care home was asking for support from the community and I wanted to offer an inter-generational approach. I was fortunate in choosing a small preschool which had previous experience with a different care home pre-pandemic.

‘On their first visit children sang nursery rhymes and songs, alongside playing their instruments and the care home residents sang their repertoire of songs, which I had prepared with them. The residents were delighted to have the four-year-olds entertaining them and the children were happy, especially when the refreshments were revealed!’

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