Rural Communities
                   Regeneration Group                     

“ Some Christians said ‘what can we do to help? '

In September 2001, when the rural economy was
struggling to cope with the additional burden of
Foot & Mouth disease, on top of the decline of village
shops, post offices, pubs and other amenities & services, Catherine Cavender called an open meeting to discuss all these problems. Some 40 people attended the meeting in
the small village of Ilminster.

Catherine chairs the gathering of 46 local churches 3 times each year. The representatives come from 46 often tiny communities, but they bring intimate knowledge of their local circumstances, neighbours and issues.

The idea of tapping into these 46 communities has now spawned the ‘Rural Communities Regeneration Group’ (RCRG). Maybe RCRG can offer some strength through synergy?

Having coverage in all 46 parishes is suddenly recognised as an unrivalled network. Perhaps we might use it to develop a ‘food links’ programme? Help set up local transport/taxi networks using local Council mini buses? Use our wider connections to help communities where the spiral seems forever downward?

A call for a series of circular walks between local churches drew 24 volunteer walkers. The additional idea that walkers should be encouraged into the remaining local businesses was welcomed – our walks could be attractive to visitors, and could bring valuable extra income to the locality. The ‘Walks Passport’ idea was born.”