From Canon Bryan G. E. Pettifer
Sir, - In the addendum to the Revd Jim Cotter's obituary (Recollections,
Gazette, 30 May), the Revd Andrew Hunt states that the radical
St Albans MTS course was "swiftly dumbed down" after Jim's
departure. This statement is a complete and utter travesty of what
actually happened.
The scheme of training was the creation of a team of full-time
Principal and four half-time Course Directors, of which Jim was
one. I followed Canon Bob Langley as Principal in 1985. During the
1985-86 academic year, the course supported Jim through a long
period on sabbatical leave while he was setting up his Cairns
Network.
Jim's three half-time colleagues continued on the course for
several years. After Jim left, the radical nature of the course was
maintained and, in subsequent curriculum development, enhanced. The
number of inspiring visiting speakers was increased.
The course did change dramatically when it was merged with the
Oxford Course, but that was not until c.1994.
Jim was a much valued member of the team, and made a distinctive
contribution, not only to the course he directed. The Scheme was
not created by Jim alone. To make the charge that the Scheme went
downhill after he left is complete nonsense.
BRYAN PETTIFER
23 Curlew Drive
Chippenham
Wiltshire
SN14 6YG