From Miss Primrose Peacock
Sir, - Retreats are probably all the things described in your
recent features (16
May). They are appropriate for those people who can afford the
time and money involved in participating, or who for whom they meet
psychological or emotional needs.
From my experience, it would appear that the Anglican Church has
overlooked the fact that, for many of its members, almost every day
is a quiet day, and some days are more than quiet. Not everyone is
capable or fit enough to go out do-gooding or can be involved in
groups, religious or semi-social.
Last year, an elderly widower from a professional background
commented during a retreat-house low-key charity tea: "It would be
nice if this place hosted Sunday- afternoon meetings for church
people who just wanted to have a pleasant chat and perhaps a cup of
tea." The venue has a lovely garden, but is not on a bus route.
I passed his suggestion on to the the trustees at that time, and
later reminded their new body, but there has been no response
except that one member of a committee said that such an idea might
"attract the wrong sort of people". I think she meant takers rather
than givers. There is always a minority who can smell a cup of tea
two miles away.
PRIMROSE PEACOCK
4 Crescent Rise, Truro TR1 3ER