This will probably be the final newsletter because as we near closure it becomes painful and difficult to write interesting articles. Gradually the Post-Graduate students, our sustaining bread and butter, are moving out as they either complete their Bristol based activities or move to accommodation ready for next academic year. M.I.H. continues to be in demand, of course, but increasingly for a transient population of short stay students who although very welcome, can not build into the same sense of community that long stay residents generate. The Methodist District is losing something that they should have been proud of, but instead followed another agenda. It would be good to have been able to inform you, our readers, of what and how the money released from MIH funds and property was going to be used for, but it would appear that The District have not yet decided about this. In our last newsletter the Rev’d Ward Jones (Chair of The Bristol District) wrote:

“Anyone with ideas is more than welcome to send their suggestions to either the Synod Secretary, the Revd Carrie Seaton, or the District Policy Committee Secretary, the Revd Peter Mortlock.”

If you have ideas and have not yet responded can I encourage you to do so as a matter of haste. It would be a shame to see MIH money whittled away because no one knows what to do with it!

After much debate within the warden team, we will not be organizing a summer garden party this year. A symbolic “Beating the Retreat” and “Last Post” by the A.T.C. band might have been too poignant and a lot of our long term residents would have moved on anyway. The outing in May was a success, as was the get together in the main lounge afterwards and it is better to end on a high. A vibrant, happy social event is best for the memory. At least for my memory after nearly twelve years service at MIH.

Thank you for your support over the many years since MIH Bristol opened in 1957. Amazing things have been achieved here and lasting friendships formed that can only contribute to international peace and understanding. Many have also grown in respect for each others’ religions and I believe MIH has been a beacon of Christian serving ministry. For this, to God be the Glory!

My wife Sheila and I are proud, and humble, to have had the privilege of serving here in the long line of dedicated and hardworking Wardens who preceded us. Thank you to you all, especially the staff and The Management Committee who have made it all possible.

God bless,

Mark.
(Mark started work at MIH in December 1998)

Please click on the title to read the full Newsletter. You can find it in PDF format attached to this page.

The M.I.H. Christmas decorations are now packed but sadly not for next year. We have a box of decent but old decorations looking for a good home. Please contact the MIH office if you can cherish and look after them. Old decorations don’t die, just hang on different walls. decorations belonging to the Tubey Family are packed ready to go into storage, and the rubbish bin has already become home for others. From now on after each event it will be the same; therefore the Chinese paper cuttings will be next good items wanting to avoid the bin. [...]

Read more, please find the Full Newsletter attached to this page.

Welcome Party 10th October

We have the pleasure to invite you to the start of year welcome party in MIH for all the residents. The party will be from 7:30pm onwards and everybody is welcome. It will follow the traditional format and although RSVP is not essential, it is appreciated if you let us know in advance for catering purposes.

See you there?

Please find the Full Newsletter attached to this page.

Following a year of detailed review, involving the use of professional consultants, the MIH management committee has concluded that it is not possible to maintain work at Rodney House.  While it is possible to keep going on a day to day basis, it is not possible to generate sufficient additional income to maintain and upgrade the premises.  The Bristol District trustees, who are ultimately responsible for the project, have worked with the local management committee and together they have agreed a new way forward, which it is hoped will ensure the vision which inspired the setting up of Rodney House MIH can be maintained into the future.

Click to download the Attachment and read more.

A belated Happy New Year to all our readers! We hope that you are surviving the credit crunch. Times must be bad because BBC Radio Bristol, earlier in January, were carrying the story that Bristol Students’ union had closed its bar for financial reasons! Students not drinking - finance must be bad! Well, the story was obviously more complicated then that, all sorts of variables were at work in the decision, but it certainly says something about the times if supplying alcohol to students becomes unviable.

• A note from Sheila
• Life as an assistant warden
• TV for Cash
• Some letters we have received
• Advance Notice