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SOUTH WEST ENGLAND

Our Region covers the South West peninsula reaching from Gloucester in the north to Land’s End in the south. The Severn Estuary and Atlantic Coast form the Western boundary; a line drawn from Swindon to Poole marks the Eastern one.

The Region has four Family Groups centred on Bristol, Somerset, and Exeter. There is an Associates Group centred on Gloucester. In total, there are 19 members, 110 Associate Members, and a number of Friends.

Members, Associate Members, and Friends are involved in initiatives to welcome, house, and support refugees and immigrants; practical and networking activities devoted to sustainable living and to stemming climate change; and community work to support those isolated by, or impoverished by, the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is also clear from conversations with Associate Members in this largely rural area, that Family Groups and Associate Member Groups provide spiritual nourishment and support to many ordained and lay ministers serving in small rural congregations.

Post Codes in this Region:
BA, BH, BS, DT, EX, GL, GY, JE, PL, SN, SP, TA, TF, TQ, TR, WR

HOW WE WORK IN THIS REGION

We hold regional gatherings annually in the spring.  In 2025 we welcomed Iain McLarty from the Wild Goose Resource Group to lead a ‘Big Sing’ with spirit-filled songs of creation and protest.  In 2026 we hosted the Fingerprint Labyrinth with poet Kaz Reeves leading us in our reflections about finding our voice as people of faith.

We hold occasional online gatherings via Zoom sharing worship and small group discussion.

We produce a thrice yearly newsletter, ‘The Dinghy’ with updates and news from around the region.

KEY PARTNERS AND NETWORKS IN THIS REGION

The Iona Community has had a presence at Glastonbury Festival in the past which has been supported by local members.

John Bell’s visits to Lee Abbey, Ammerdown, and elsewhere are an important source of encouragement to Iona supporters in the region.

CONTACT US

Clare Sibley, Iain McCall, Alan Jackson, Francesca Tolond
[email protected]

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