Barrie has been heavily involved in the housing charity he helped to found called Restore. Three more houses have been acquired this year bringing the total number of bed spaces to twenty six. The latest house is pictured above – it should be open for new tenants early in 2014. Interviews for the third support worker will be complete by the end of the year.

Official figures in the city show the positive impact this housing project for homeless people is having – God has been very faithful (what more would expect from him!). The charity will feature in a new book being written by the Archbishop of York entitled Stories of Hope. It’s hard to believe it was only founded three years ago.

Next Story: Lady of Many Roles

Joan continues to lead workshops for school parties at York’s two main museums. One day she’s a Victorian school mistress and the next a Roman. Sometimes she is simply herself with a group of thirty 7 year olds learning about some facet of the city’s history.

Much of her other time, Joan is leading a Pastoral Visiting team at St Michael le Belfrey that calls in on elderly, housebound and sick people in the church. The people she visits are very appreciative of her – she’s made lots of friends, but often comes face to face with infirmity and bereavement.

Next Story: Grandchildren 

Alex and Emily at Beningborough Hall

Alex and Emily came to stay again in the summer. We had a great time, visiting the National Railway Museum, Scarborough beach, Beningborough Hall Adventure Playground, having fun with lots of smiles and energetic jaunts. We were officially exhausted at the end of the week.

Time for home after a week in York

In September Emily started proper school – she looks so tiny alongside the other children, but as a June baby she is one of the youngest in her year. Alex has started football coaching on Saturday mornings – Manchester United may yet find a replacement for Ryan Giggs!

Next Story: Family Gatherings

The Stephensons met up for their annual meal in Kenilworth in January and then for a bigger party at the Essex County Ground in Chelmsford to celebrate Wesley and Deborah’s tenth wedding anniversary in February.

Joan with her brothers and sisters

The Ashmore’s met up for their annual party in Devon in October. We’re beginning to think that it’s time for the next generation to take on the organisation of these events. A sign that we’re not getting any younger.

Next Story: Christmas at Home

Wesley and family with the Bishop of Bradwell

This year we’re at home again for Christmas and we think that just about all the family will be here in York on Christmas Day.

Wesley and Deborah are settled in Chelmsford; Wesley was baptised and confirmed at his local church this year. He often puts in long hours as a producer in BBC Radio Current Affairs, now back in Broadcasting House. Deborah continues in her management role as Assistant Editor at BBC Essex.

Matthew and Laura

Matthew and Laura are happy to be back in Cambridge where Matthew has a permanent job back at the games company he left to move to Aberdeen. Laura is working hard as a fellow at Gonville and Caius College.

Matthew has made an animated film They Both Explode that seems to be popular with animation festivals across the world. It’s a good showcase for his work.

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