Wonderful Send-off for CHIT President

More than 50 people gathered in the St John's Kenilworth Church Hall on November 5th where Jenny Blair and friends had prepared a splendid tea party. Mary Rai had done a terrific job publicising the event in the local press. Roger and Laurie Turner came from Barston and circulated among many old friends from their happy years in Kenilworth.

Howard Mathers, Treasurer of CHIT could not come because he was in the U.S.A. but sent us a photo of a group of American CHIT Supporters whom he met out there. All the other UK Trustees were present as the photo shows: George, Angela, Kal and Mary Rai, Rev Christopher Turner and Pauline Stanton-Saringer. Claire and Stuart Brown also came, bringing a friend Peta Jacobi who is accompanying them to India in January. We like to augment the team and still have room for two more. If you are interested send your c.v. to George at: agkentsilver@btinternet.com.

George explained how CHIT had started and how God intervened to make the huge task of saving the two homes from closure possible. The early meetings with the Indian management, laying the foundation for Good Governance, were clearly of great significance. The Indian Trustees had to catch the vision that changes were needed to achieve "Best Indian Practice" All the policies were agreed and have been monitored by trustee visits every year, never involving less than three U.K. Trustees, staying on the Bapatla site for a week. They have in-depth discussions about health, education, moral welfare and financial management. More recently the standard of Health care has improved. The medical input from GP Kal is hugely appreciated.

Claire and Stuart Brown talked about the challenge of helping the school at Bapatla to go English-Medium, and the sheer enjoyment of teaching such enthusiastic children. Anyone wishing to help in the school do please contact us to see how best we can accomodate you. Claire bubbled as she said what fun she had fund-raising with a sponsored walk, a dance in the Village Hall and a tennis tournament..

Kal Rai then spoke about his experience of fund-raising. One could sense the satisfaction he gets at finding himself so useful in India. His sincerity is so clear. It is a joy to have him in the trustee team, Mary too. The publicity which she obtained in the local press about CHIT and our meeting was very impressive. Kal shares his experiences with small groups. It is so good for a home group to have a link with CHIT by sponsoring a child.

Pauline Stanton- Saringer enthused about her Curry Evening held in her Church cafe, involving many people new to CHIT. Entrance was free but a donation encouraged. After a great meal she got George to do a short slideshow so that people what they were supporting.

Angela told us how her love of dogs has led her to take in other people's dogs when they are on holiday. She charges them £10 a night and gives the money to CHIT. George helps with the walk they are promised which does him good!

There was then a short slide show from George, showing how useful it was to have slides and leaflets that they can do the fund-raising for you.

After a super tea Rev Canon Roger Turner spoke in that inimitable style of his that touches people. He referred in glowing terms to George and Angela's dedication and inspiration, originally with Goodwill and later with CHIT. It was when he was the Vicar at Freshford near Bath that they first met. Before long they were organising a parish week-end at Lee Abbey. Lasting bonds were made. When he was called to St John's it was not long before George was invited to speak about India, with dramatic results. Seven people sponsored a child, and some large donations were made.

Years later George came out of retirement to start CHIT. The situation was pretty desperate. In humility it was to St John's that George came. Once more they were stirred to help. Roger had moved on to Barston by that time. Before long, George followed. The Church grew and so did support for CHIT. At Barston Church all their home groups now sponsor a child.

We knew Roger would want to worshipafter his talk and Hamish Blair had the words of his favourite songs on a screen for us. Long-time friend and supporter Mark Barnard was ready at the piano. His dear wife Diana had provided lunch for the long distance visitors, and hospitality for George and Angela, now needing to slow down a bit themselves.

George presented Roger with a bottle of brandy and a silver dish. An artistic sponsor called Mary Hewetson had made a wonderful cake featuring Roger on a boat with his feet up, with his dog, wearing his master's dog collar!

Roger has been a benign influence on the development of CHIT from its start. Our support in the areas around Kenilworth and Barston owes much to his patronage. We thank him and wish him well in whatever new challenges await him. We know he will continue to inspire people and bring them closer to God wherever he goes.

At St Johns, the support for CHIT continues to grow. The new Vicar, Rev Andrew Attwood, stayed three hours at our meeting and the affection which many parishoners feel for CHIT seemed to rub off on him. George was given an eight-minute slot in the Sunday service and is returning next year.

Four new child sponsorships were taken up, and after the service £1500 was given to George to replace the old water pumps at the Homes in India. Praise God.

Some pictures taken at the event
(Apologies for those we were unable to put names to)

…

The presentations to Roger and Laurie

George's CHIT presentation

Roger's presentation cake

A selection of delicious cakes

Pauline with Anne Shenoi and friend from Barston

Kal with son, Jonathan, and friend

Elizabeth Maylor with Roger

Angie Purdom with Laurie

Angela with Judith Scott

Janet Jackson (right)

Jackie Cook and Denise Cheetham

Kal talks with two friends

Angie Purdom, John Radford and Beryl Dayus

The discussions went on!

Trustees at Kenilworth

The Trustees meet three times a year, but are kept in constant touch with affairs in India by email. In January each year, at least three of them visit the homes for a week. This number may increase. Regular visits are also made by Stuart and Claire Brown who help with English teaching in the school. Further visits are envisaged for people prepared to fund-raise for us or help in the School. Anyone interested should contact George on 01225 863124 or email him at agkentsilver@btinternet.com with their c.v.

Past Newsletter Editions

News CHIT Dec 05     News CHIT May 06     News CHIT May 07     News CHIT Sep 07     CHIT CHAT Oct 08     CHIT CHAT Feb 09     CHIT CHAT Oct 09     CHIT CHAT Mar 10     CHIT CHAT Oct 10     CHIT CHAT Mar 11     CHIT CHAT Oct 11

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Registration

On 14 November 2005 we were registered by the Charity Commission,
No. 1112048.