Earlier this month Bishop Michael and the Archdeacon of Taunton, Simon Hil, visited the Hinkley Point C construction site near Bridgwater to meet the chaplaincy team. Hinkley, which is one of the largest building sites in Europe, is thought to be one of the first building sites to have a salaried chaplain. Ewen Huffman was the first chaplain to work on site, since then the team has grown. As the Lead Chaplain he now works alongside Paul Owen, and a group of five volunteer chaplains, who provide spiritual and pastoral support for the more than 12,000 people working to build the new nuclear power station.
Ewen, together with Paul showed Bishop Michael and Archdeacon Simon around the 430 acre site where they were able to see the newly constructed nuclear reactors and turbines, and had the opportunity to meet Rob Jordan Hinkley’s Construction Director.
The visit also provided an opportunity to see the workplace, understand daily operations, and discuss the role of chaplaincy in supporting staff. The chaplaincy team offer spiritual and pastoral care on-site, with regular prayer gatherings and communion services. Bishop Michael and Archdeacon Simon took part in the monthly communion service.
The visit also included discussions on workplace challenges, care practices, and upcoming changes to the chaplaincy team. Ewen said, “The workplace is a close-knit community. We're like a family and as part of that family we are here to love and care for people. People accept that and welcome us as part of it. There’s a real sense of connection—you can’t walk across the site without someone stopping to say hello.”
The chaplaincy team will soon be joined by two additional salaried chaplains which will enable the team to offer more support to the staff site.
If you would like to know more about chaplaincy visit the chaplaincy pages of the Bath and Wells website.