Friends of Holland House,
c/o Holland House,
Main Street,
Cropthorne, Pershore,
Worcestershire
WR10 3NB
Dear Friends,
The AGM of the Friends was held at 3.30 pm on Monday 13th October in the Conference Room at Holland House. Here is a summary of the meeting.
There were 18 people present, including 4 Committee members, three Trustees and the Warden. There were 12 apologies.
Julie Fay, The Chair of the Friends welcomed all and said a prayer.
Our secretary, Wendy, reported that, during the year, three committee meetings were held in February, June and September, all attended by the Chair and one Trustee was present at all meetings. The number of friends has declined slightly over the year – the current membership is 127. Communication has now included Friends newsletters, so far for Spring and Summer.
Julie commented that a new bookmark had been created by Nicky Garrad with information about the Friends. This contained a QR code, which would show all information about joining the Friends.
The Treasurer’s Report had been compiled by the Chair, Canon Dr Julie Fay as Interim Treasurer and the nominated new Treasurer, Keith Glenny who Julie introduced. Julie noted that they have had to operate without a designated Treasurer for most of the year, but as the summary of accounts shows, the Friends have been able to help the House with some key purchases, in particular, a new cooker for the kitchen. The other main purchase has very recently taken place and so has not yet shown on the accounts, which is spring bulbs for the garden. Julie presented the accounts and noted that there are some funds available which will be spent for the House on some exciting new ideas which are currently in the pipeline.
Julie commented that this has been her first year as the Chair and that it has been a very enjoyable and fruitful one, thanks to all. Julie said that sadly, Brenda Morton, the previous Chair, died this year and a memorial is being planned for her in the garden.
Julie noted that the programme of Quiet Garden Days went ahead as has become a tradition in the summer months with this year’s theme being ‘fruits’. Numbers attending have been good.
Julie also talked about Holland House’s presence at the Royal Three Counties Show in 2025.
The Cropthorne Walkabout in May, when the garden of the House was open on both days, was supported by the Friends and by Helen, who was based in the Chapel. Visitor numbers were high and many leaflets were taken and plants sold.
The Chair noted that Wendy Berry is retiring as Secretary at this AGM. Wendy was thanked on behalf of the Committee and the wider Friends for the great job she has done over the years. Julie presented Wendy with a gift of an orchid and a necklace together with a card.
Hayward Osborne introduced himself as Chair of the Trustees. Hayward noted that last year finances were very healthy and it was an outstanding year. This year, the finances are also healthy and it is very necessary as big bills are coming. There has also been a focus on Compliance, covering health and safety, electricity, etc. governance and employment. and finally, the Trustees other main responsibility of Guarding the Vision. As part of the House’s role as a Christian retreat, the regular morning prayer and offering a weekly Eucharist continue to be fundamental.
Hayward mentioned the recent loss of two important people: Brenda Morton, a previous Chair of the Friends as well as a former Trustee of the House and Anthony Glossop, a former Trustee.
Hayward gave thanks to the Friends for their financial and practical help, contributing to the programme and to the volunteers who give their time and also hold the House in their prayers.
The Warden, Helen commented first of all that this has again been a good year for the House and thanks are due to staff, Trustees and the Friends who have been of great support to the work. Helen noted that the programme has been mixed – some very successful events have taken place, but the House has had to cancel some weekends due to lack of bookings.
Helen noted some new initiatives: – 24-hour events which may enable more people to attend and a music 24-hour retreat to include elements of prayer and lectio and singing, this to be led by Piers Maxim of Malvern Priory.
Helen stated that there will also be some online events, in particular. an online course on Stations of the Cross led by Mary Flitcroft and herself. The latter requires technical and musical input and the Friends have offered to under-write this initiative on receiving detailed costings.
Helen also explained that as well as their own programme, the House is used by musicians; people using art as a means of reflection and meditation; local churches of many denominations; and by those who practice spirituality with its roots outside of Christianity – yoga and tai chi practitioners, and Buddhists.
Helen noted that securing the fabric of the building will play an important part of the next phase of Holland House and there will be a focus on fundraising in the next couple of years.
The Icon of the Visitation was commissioned for Holland House with the help of the Lady Peel Legacy trust, and in 2026, the House will send it, with some study materials, on tour around the Anglican and Catholic Dioceses and Methodist districts etc.
Hayward Osborne’s term as Friends Trustee was extended for another term from 2026 to 2029.
The Chair and Vice Chair were re-elected. A new Treasurer was appointed. There is a vacancy for Secretary.
Friends Committee: Chair: Canon Dr Julie Fay, Vice Chair: Emily Miller. Secretary: Vacant. Treasurer: Keith Glenny. Other members: Kay Mason, Nicky Garrad, Sue Oliver.
Friends’ Trustees: Revd Alma Organ, Mrs Sue Perry, Archdeacon Hayward Osborne. Diocesan Trustees: Derek Valentine, Paul West, Robert Jones and Rachel Hextall.
The AGM concluded with the Grace at 5.00 pm.
Before the AGM, a Quiet Day retreat was led by Helen Stanton and Canon Dr Juie Kay. After the AGM, a dinner was given.
Date of next AGM: Monday 5th October 2026.
With all good wishes,
Julie Fay (Chair of Friends of Holland House)
