Sabbatical travels and training

 

I am almost at the end of the first month of my sabbatical, and I have spent half of that time living out of a suitcase or backpack! Since the last blogpost I have travelled to Northern Ireland, Burton on Trent, Keswick and Margate for - respectively - motorbike racing, family celebrations, leadership training and Bank Holiday relaxing.

The Northwest 200                                                                                                 The residents of 2 picturesque seaside towns in Northern Ireland - Portstewart and Portrush - have their peace shattered for one week every year as roads are closed and thousands of motorbikes and bikers descend for the Northwest 200. It is NI's largest spectator event, and one of the world's fastest road races - with riders reaching in excess of 200mph on roads similar to Gatton Park Road and Wray Lane!

I travelled there with Trevor Nelson, whose mum lives in Portstewart just yards from the track. 

It is a tremendous event and one where - even as a spectator - you feel physically involved through the noise, the close proximity of the bikes and the smell of the fuel. It's addictive stuff, and the second time I've been. It is all set against the spectacular Antrim coastline which is worth the trip in itself. Missed the final day's racing in order to celebrate the following...

80th b'day celebrations!

Sunday, 20th May was my mum's 80th birthday, and Libby, Esme, Fergus and I travelled to Burton to spend the weekend with family. We watched the Royal Wedding and the Cup Final on the Saturday, then were joined by a houseful of family and friends to celebrate mum's birthday on the Sunday.

The sun shone, the prosecco corks popped and countless photo's were taken. A memorable day - happy birthday, Nanny Norma! 

7, of 8, grandchildren, and a small dog.

From Burton I caught a train to Keswick for the...

Influential Leadership Workshop

Each participant received a slate bearing this inscription .

The course title 'Leading from the Inside Out' was a clue to the way in which leadership is approached in this leadership training offered jointly by Keswick Ministries and Forge Leadership Consultancy

Rather than giving course participants 'tools' or 'techniques' for leadership, this course helped us consider who we are and how we might lead out of that place. We considered 5 'I's - Identity in Christ, Intimacy with Christ, Integrity, Inner Strength and Influence.

It was a Bible-based approach, and each day began with a well-applied Bible exposition from Peter Maiden, a former International Director of Operation Mobilisation and now travelling preacher and Minister at Large for Keswick Ministries! 
Simon Barrington, of Forge Leadership, led us through most of the sessions each day, with input from Rev Dr James Robson, Ministry Director of Keswick. (James was previously part of the faculty team at Oak Hill College, and taught me on the Old Testament Studies module.)

An evening meal addressed by Joelle Warren, of Warren Partners, pointed us to how (and why) she has made Jesus' words 'Do to others as you would have them do to you' the basis of the way that she and her company operate. Perhaps Biblical ethics work...!

What have I come away from the week with? A Personal Development Plan, a list of action points to address - both during my sabbatical and after - much to reflect on and a renewed sense of calling to church leadership. Also a great group of 15 others who attended the course and who I hope to remain in contact with.

THANK YOU! to the team that put on this high-quality, inspiring workshop - particularly to Simon, James, Peter, Andrew and Carolyn. 
THANKS, ALSO to the Diocese of Southwark for a grant to attend this course, and to Kevan and Xueyan, my hosts at the Lincoln Guest House (which I unreservedly recommend!).

A few photos from Keswick...

Our lecture room with Skiddaw in the background.

At the top of Cat Bells,Derwentwater behind, with Andrew Towner

Derwentwater (taken on my 10K run...)