Members News
Samhain 2004
Welcome to the Samhain edition of ‘Members News’ 2004.Once again there is a lot of information to share with you. So here we go…
PF Committee Election 2004.
You may wonder why no ballot papers have dropped through your letterboxes? We did have several candidates who wanted to stand for the election, but due to a variety of very genuine reasons, did have to withdraw. Brian Botham, who is one of our joint District Managers for the London area and did stand for election, has been declared ‘Nem Con’ for a twelve month period.
Brian and his partner Trish have bravely taken on the roles of Convention Team Managers for our forthcoming event.
The Pagan Federation International Convention 2004!
Whilst we are on the subject of the International Convention, do come along and join us at Fairfield Hall in Croydon on Saturday 27th November 2004. Last year’s event had a really magical atmosphere.
The Convention Team has recognized that it can be quite daunting if you are new to Paganism or are attending the event on your own. So this year there will be a ‘Meet and Greet’ service to help you.
You may also be interested to learn that this year, alongside the usual array of high quality and diverse speakers, workshops and fabulous market stalls, there will also be Tarot readers and other options of the like available for you. So please do not be shy! Let’s make it an event to remember!
New PF Telephone Line
The new telephone line is working well, with the number of enquiries growing. Brian and Trish have informed me that they have received calls requesting assistance ranging from very serious issues, to requests for Tarot readings, a service which we do not provide ourselves!
The telephone number will now be the main contact number for Pagan Federation general information and media enquiries. The number is: 0906 3020184.
Interfaith Manager Appointed
Cassandra Latham would like to say a big thank you to everyone who expressed an interest in the Interfaith Manager’s role. A new manager has now been appointed for us.
I would like to introduce and welcomeCarol Nowlan to the PF team. As this is a very busy and important area of interest for us, I would also like to welcome Robin Herne to the post of Deputy Interfaith Manager.
If you wish to be involved with the Interfaith team or need assistance, you can contact Carol or Robin at the following address:
Community Services,PO Box 195, Penzance. TR19 6ZX.
Hospital Visiting needs You!
Due to changing circumstances our current managers have sadly had to stand down. I would like to thank Mark and Lynda for their help over the last year.
As a result of the success of the last appeal for a manager, Cassandra Latham is hoping to get an equally enthusiastic response for the Hospital Visiting Manager vacancy.
Cassandra says that she needs someone who has good communication skills and an ability to manage a team of volunteers, and is an enthusiastic and dedicatedcampaigner. In Cassandra’s experience, Pagan ministers are rarely called upon to minister to Pagan patients. However, there is crucially important work to do campaigning for more recognition for the Pagan faith in the Health Network.
Interesting developments have happened already for some hospital visitors. They have been accepted into various faith forums and been trauma trained and accredited by the County Council Emergency Planning Department, to be part of the Faith Response Team in disasters and Major Incidents.
Anyone who is interested in applying for the important Hospital Visiting Manager role should contact Cassandra at the Community Services address or email:
Pagan event Disrupted!
I am sure that like me you will be disappointed to know that the Lammas Fair which was held in BishopsCastle, Shropshire, was disrupted by fundamental Christians handing out leaflets and shouting abuse at people. The local community in BishopsCastle itself had no issue with the event and the disruptive element came from outside the immediate area!
I have spoken with Abi from ‘Naiads Well’ in BishopsCastle, who is one of the organizers of the event. The police were called when the abuse got too much! Abi would like you all to know that the police were extremely helpful and supportive and did handle the situation well.
A further event is being held for the Samhain weekend. Starting with a Ghost Walk on the Friday evening, a psychic fair on the Saturday and culminating with an open circle on the evening of the 31st itself.
Abi is expecting further attempts at disruption. Letters have already appeared in the local press and have also been sent to the shop direct. If you would like to attend the event and show support, please contact Abi on 01588 630111 for further information.
Crimewatch UK!
The paint damage and vandalism at the Rollright Stones is being included on the BBC television programme ‘Crimewatch UK’ on Thursday 28th October.
Birthday Tribute for Madge
You may recall back in the Beltane edition of ‘Pagan Dawn’ there was an article about Madge Worthington, one of our wonderful Honorary Members, who had just celebrated her 90th Birthday.
If you would still like to contribute to Madge’s Birthday appeal (the proceeds of which will be donated to Madge’s favourite animal charities) you still can! Please send donations to the main BM Box address marked ‘Madge Appeal’
Stewart Farrar Media Awards 2004
Please keep your nominations for the best and worse media coverage of Paganism coming in! I will announce the results in our next issue of Members News.
Response to Burial Law and Policy in the 21st Century
A full response has been sent to the Home Office on behalf of The Pagan Federation and PEBBLE following their request for comments on current burial policy and legislation.The response has been written and submitted by Clare Slaney and our Vice President, Belinda Winder.
It is an extremely in depth and full response and it certainly would not do it justice to attempt to include it in full here.
If you would like a copy of the response please contact me and I will send a copy to you.
Brightest Blessings
Lindsey-J.
PF General Secretary
BM Box 7097, London, WC1N 3XX