Fran Wood has been commissioned by Bishop Michael, at The Bishop’s Palace Chapel, as an Anna Chaplain to the Bishop's Palace and gardens.
Fran is a trained counsellor and worked in the profession for more than twenty years. She said, “Anna Chaplaincy is a ministry to older people many of whom enjoy visiting the Bishop’s Palace and gardens. Sometimes the elderly want to chat to someone, share their life story, or are recently bereaved and I’ll be there for them. If anyone wants to talk with me, or would like me to pray for them, whatever their age, I will be happy to do that.”
Fran joins a growing team of Anna Chaplains and Anna Friends in the diocese. Mike Haslam, Chaplaincy Development Adviser for the diocese was among those who joined Fran’s commissioning service, he said, “Anna Chaplaincy, with older people, is one of the fastest growing forms of chaplaincy. We look forward to working with Fran in her new ministry as she lives and tells the story of Jesus.”
The palace is a popular tourist attraction. Thousands of visitors from around the world and many local people enjoy walking in the gardens and exploring the palace. Fran plans to be onsite for a few hours each week. “I will walk in the gardens and spend time sitting in the chapel. There is a great need for people to be able to share their worries and concerns with others and I will be here if they want to do that during their visit.”
Find out more about Anna chaplaincy in Bath and Wells. If you would like more information a please contact Wendy Haslam at email: anna.chaplaincy@bathwells.anglican.org