As most of our readers will know, Scargill House was closed in the summer of 2008, but plans are now well under way to reopen. The first step on that road was the formation of The Scargill Movement, a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity, in order to negotiate a purchase of the House after it was placed on the open market.

The Scargill Movement was registered as a charity on 3rd February 2009, Charity Registration number 1127838.

In December of 2008 agreement towards a purchase of the property from the present owners (Scargill House Ltd) was achieved. The completion of the purchase took place on March 31st, 2009.

During 2009 the new Council was formed and met regularly, Appointments of staff generously funded by Lee Abbey were made; Project director Simon Browning and , administrative support Sarah Sellars (full time ) and Penny Cannon (part time, assistant to Bruce Duncan, Development Director). At the end of the year the first Director of the new Community was appointed, Phil Stone, licensed in early February.

Praise God for the continuing flow of financial support. Even before we have launched the full-scale appeal there has been a continual stream of financial support. This is in addition to one generous substantial donation (which has more than covered the deposit payable on exchange of contracts). This giving has enabled the progress to date and provides a start towards the very large sums of money to be raised to achieve all we have set out to do.

Donations (of course still welcome and much needed) can be made via the web link shown on the left.

Support through volunteer work is also needed. Four teams are being formed and Pauline Thompson has offered her expertise and long Scargill experience and has been asked by the Council to act as volunteer co-ordinator. Pauline will be happy to hear from you, direct or via this website, with whatever you can offer, a data base is being compiled, watch this space for further information on types of work needed.

There has been a series of events so far;

April 4th 2009 was a celebration of the completion of the sale. We thank God for an amazing reunion of so many former guests, community members and Council Members.

June 20th 2009 was the 50th birthday party, a day of high emotion for many had thought they would not see the day when Scargill reached its 50th. Over 600 people came and dedicated themselves to God to help bring Scargill House into a new phase of ministry. Simon Browning, newly appointed Project Director, was introduced, and he and the Council prayed for at a moving outdoor service.

September 20th 2009 was a time of worship and sharing of progress, as the newly appointed architect, Halliday Clark introduced outline ideas for refurbishment of the House, the business case was presented and and update on finances given. Sarah Sellers, full time administrator, and Susie Mapledoram, new Council member were introduced, and Adrian and Bridget Plass, now in residence, contributed to the worship, giving great support and encouragement. We also learned that the new Director (formally Warden) would be appointed by the end of the month.

Further gatherings are planned February and May, so that supporters can be kept in touch with developments  which move ahead at speed. Watch this space for more information as it becomes available.

Please keep praying!

If you would like to send any general comments or enquiries, please use the 'Contact Us' form on the menu. We need your help shaping the future of Scargill House - let us know what you, and others you know, think. Thank you to those who have completed questionnaires so far, both on-line and in person, your views have been taken into account in the business plan to be completed early in 2010.