Newsletter, August 2007

Launde signs covenant with diocese of Peterborough

On the 24 July 2007 Bishop Tim Stevens, the Chair of the Trustees of Launde, signed a covenant agreement on behalf of Launde with Peterborough Diocese. Bishop Ian Cundy who signed the agreement for Peterborough referred to the benefits that this agreement would bring to the diocese. Peterborough Diocese will:

1. promote Launde Abbey as the Retreat House that serves parishes, clergy and laity of their diocese;
2. use Launde Abbey for diocesan events which are of a residential nature and actively encourage its parishes and people to use the Abbey for residential or day events;
3. enable access to the parishes, organisations and networks in the Diocese of Peterborough in order that Launde can be promoted.

Bishop Tim and Bishop Ian welcome the Covenant Agreement between Launde and Peterborough

In return the Archdeacon of Northampton and the Diocesan Secretary have been appointed to the Management Committee at Launde. This is a significant move which will help secure the financial future of the Abbey. The relationship between Launde and the Diocese of Leicester was also re-affirmed in the same service.

Increase in numbers this year to the end of July

The number of overnight guests and day guests for the period to the end July 2007 were up on the numbers for the same period in 2006. By the end of July the number of overnight guests had grown by 5.5% while the number of day guest had risen by 8.4% on 2006. This achievement is largely due to the hard work of the dedicated staff at Launde.

Launde receives accolade!

At the end of July it was announced that Launde was short listed for the 2007 Enjoy England Excellence Awards, organised by East Midlands Tourism, in the Best Tourism Experience category. The short listing has been given ‘for the outstanding tourism businesses that help make the East Midlands so attractive to visitors’. The awards are to be presented at a prestigious awards dinner on the evening of the 10 October 2007 at the East Midlands Conference Centre. To successfully reach the finals Launde had to compete with other tourism businesses from across Leicestershire, Rutland, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire.

Bishop Tim Stevens, the Bishop of Leicester said, ‘I am delighted that Launde Abbey has been short listed. As one of the finest houses of Christian retreat and hospitality in this country, it is right that Launde Abbey should receive the recognition it deserves for the quality of its care for visitors and its stunning location.’

Describing Launde’s contribution to tourism and spirituality, the Bishop speaks of the growing need for space in people’s hectic lives. "As our lives get more demanding, more regulated, more busy, the silence of this place becomes essential if the wellsprings of spiritual life are to be kept fresh."

In order to be short listed the Warden, Tim Blewett, had to show that the management of the Abbey was excellent and the service outstanding. The Abbey was also blind visited by representatives of the judging panel. This is a great affirmation of Launde as it prepares for the redevelopment of the Stables which is due to be completed by mid-March 2008