Scargill House in Kettlewell
Photo: www.scargillmovement.org

THE future of Scargill House in Kettlewell has been assured following its purchase by the recently formed Scargill Movement.

Many people were saddened last summer at the decision of the Trustees of Scargill to cease operating as a Christian community and conference centre.

During the autumn of 2008, a steering group formed made up of a coalition from the Save Scargill group, the Lee Abbey movement and the Diocese of Bradford.

Following negotiations with the Trustees, in December, an offer was made and accepted for the purchase of Scargill House and its estate. This was made possible through some generous individual donations, and a substantial interest free loan from the Lee Abbey Movement.

Commenting on the news, the Rt. Revd. Chris Edmondson, Bishop of Bolton and Chair of the newly formed Council of the Scargill Movement, said: “Having been a Scargill Partner for 25 years, and as a former Warden of Lee Abbey, Devon, I’m thrilled to be part of seeing a rebirth of Scargill House.

“It will be some time before the ministry there is fully operational again, but I look forward to it being a resource for many individuals and church communities, especially in the north of England, at the heart of which will be a vibrant worshipping Christian community.”

There will be an opportunity to come on site on Saturday April 4th, which will begin with a celebration of Holy Communion at 11.00am, followed by a ‘bring your own’ picnic lunch, and an opportunity to walk round the estate and the house. Later in the summer, on Saturday June 20th, there will be a major celebration with the Bishops of Bolton and Bradford, to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishing of Scargill House, and a rededication for its future ministry.

Further details of these events, and of how you can give and support Scargill House’s future, can be found on the website: www.scargillmovement.org