The SNU Almoner

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The SNU supports Spiritualists...

The SNU endeavours to keep in contact with its elderly, infirm and sick workers who have withdrawn from active involvement in the movement. In order to do this it appoints an almoner who coordinates the service nationally, regionally, and at church level. The Almoner maintains a database of people likely to benefit from this service and allocates appropriate people to keep in contact, by telephone, by mail or even by occasionally visiting them.

If you know someone who used to be active in Spiritualism who now finds this difficult, perhaps they are housebound or isolated by illness then the SNU would like to reach out to them. Let the Union know of these people, inform the local church, inform your district, and inform the SNU Almoner.

Contact details:-

Minister Lynette Coulston

69 Woodway Lane

Walsgrave

Coventry

CV2 2EG

Tel: 02476 621767

SNU Almoner, Minister Lynette Coulston Writes :-

May I introduce myself by saying how privileged and delighted I am to have been appointed as SNU Almoner. We have created a network of people who maintain the link between Spiritualists who are still able and active within the movement and those ladies and gentlemen who have become less able.

Many, with commitment and dedication, have helped to build the Spiritualists' National Union into the success it now is. With increasing age, infirmity, or illness, some now find it difficult to maintain links with Spiritualist colleagues and friends and this is where our Almoner service will help.

The term Almoner is Greek in origin, becoming known in English during the fourteenth century when an almoner was a chaplain or church officer who was in charge of distributing alms (charity). This person looked after the welfare of church members, including visits to the sick, to the aged, and to the infirm. A later example of the use of the term was hospital almoners, the first of whom was Mary Stewart, appointed to the Royal Free Hospital in London in 1895.

My role as Almoner to the SNU, is to endeavour to reassure our retired workers that we value their past service, that we still care for them, that they are still a part of the Spiritualist Movement, and that where possible help is on hand

In order to keep in touch with as many of our friends as possible, I have compiled a register of names and I appeal to anyone who has contact with, or who has information about past workers, to pass those details on to a member of your District Council, or a church committee, or to inform me directly.

I appeal also for spent copies of , Psychic World, paperbacks, District Council and church periodicals (no books please), and for small blank greeting cards. Using these I will be able to say a friendly "Hello" from the SNU and to send Spiritualist information that will help people feel as if they are still in touch with the Union.

My contact details are as above.:-

Thank you for your assistance. Lynette Coulston