At the August 2011 meeting of our Mothers’ Union, The Rev.Jean Hoggard came to speak to us about Heatherwood. A place of peace and restoration. A Christian Counselling Centre.

In 1979 18 acres of rugged land were purchased to be set aside for God. The farm lies in the beautiful Shibden Valley on the outskirts of Halifax. A place where the love of God could be found through counselling and the activities of a working farm. Counselling takes place at Heatherwood cottage, 100 yds from the farm.

Jean told us of the day she found herself bidding at the auction for the land, as spokeswoman for a number of interested people. She could not believe she was successful, and a Trust was formed. From then on so much hard work has been done, and such a lot of help has come from local people and businesses.

So many activities have gone on over the last 32 years, our own first meeting with St. John’s Church P.C.C , was a day at Heatherwood, to enable us to get to know each other better. Skilled counsellors can be there to help with problems such as relationship, marital and sexual difficulties; bereavement and loss; addictions, childhood traumas and abuse; divorce and separation; low self esteem; mental, emotional and physical illness; and general crisis situations.

Jean told us about the farm and cottage as she spoke to us during our communion service. This felt a nice way to do it.

Thank you Jean for an interesting afternoon

 Hazel