A visit to Rugby and the ‘Gift of Years’ team

Debbie Ducille was delighted to visit one of Anna Chaplaincy network’s longest-serving ecumenical teams earlier in July. The ‘Gift of Years’ team in Rugby was established in 2019, around the same time as teams began in Newcastle Diocese, Cheltenham and ‘the Worthys’ in Hampshire, among increasing numbers of individuals who joined the new national movement in those early days.

Debbie said:

‘It is so encouraging to confirm that many of these original members are still serving and going strong!’

Debbie joined the ‘Gift of Years’ team for their monthly catch-up in Hillmorton Paddox Methodist Church: the visit was long in the planning, but very worthwhile. The team comprises 20 Anna Chaplains and Anna Friends serving across several care homes in the Rugby area, offering worship services and one-to-one accompaniment on a regular basis. As part of their catch-up, the team reflected on blessings and challenges of their ministry, and prayed together.  

Deacon Georgina Brooks has ably supervised the team since 2022, and has recently been able to welcome the Revd Anthony Orr as assistant lead chaplain, a retired Baptist minister who served in Rugby previously.

Debbie reflected:

‘I’m so pleased to have made a long overdue visit and look forward to joining the team again to mark International Older Peoples’ Day (1 October) for a commissioning and celebration service.’

Anthony is in the back row on the far left, with Georgina also in the back row, on the furthest right. Alongside all those present in person on the day, Anna Friend Meryl attended via Zoom, who provides much-welcomed admin and database support.