4. Conference Centre: The long goodbye
Since opening in 2002 the Barns Conference Centre has played host to many groups. There have been start-up organisations which ultimately outgrew us, but which made good use of our flexibility and understanding in their very early days to find their feet and built up their programmes; there have been a wide range of one-off retreats and meetings, which sometimes blossomed into a series; and there have been those groups which have discovered us, settled in and made us their home, and returned year after year, sometimes booking several years in advance to be sure of their place. As Barns Centre winds down as part of the PETT Transition, one after another of these long-standing groups is coming up for its last gathering in Toddington. These are immensely sad moments for us, but they are joyous celebrations of friendship and care as well; and the comments they are leaving behind are making us tremendously proud. The comments below came from a group which said goodbye to us in November.
"It is such a delight to spend time here again - I feel so relaxed & safe here, held by the space and the beauty and the care. Thankyou." "I have enjoyed many a joyful time here with much love, connection & learning! Thankyou!" "It has been such a gift for me to be able to bring my dog to events here - thankyou for everything" "Dear Jo, thank you for your warmth and support over the years." "Big thankyou for providing such a welcoming lovely centre" "Hi Jo & Team. Thank you very much for the spacious place! It's so lovely to be here! All the best!" "I appreciate the peaceful and practical venue, and the beautiful garden. Thankyou." "Jo, Thank you so much for such a place of God's love and ministry." "Thankyou so much, Jo and the Pett centre for the years of care & welcome & flexibility. We will miss you. xxx"
To the members of this group, and to you, and to every group and family who've come here, we say "Thankyou": Thankyou for your care and support over so many years, and for letting us share your lives and aspirations. You have been wonderful.
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