SOUTHWOLD LENT LECTURES 2008

“AGE, CULTURE & FAITH”
Exploring Christianity through the ages of life

Childhood (5-10)

Helen Woodroffe

Helen was born and spent her childhood in Chelmsford, Essex.  She studied Education and Music for her B.Ed (Hons) degree at Homerton College, Cambridge.  Then she spent 14 years in the teaching profession, teaching at 5 primary schools in Suffolk, Cheshire and Essex, ending with a Deputy Headship.  She also took on numerous roles within the Churches she attended, including leading family worship, children’s work, choirs and worship groups.

She then felt called to leave the teaching profession to start a charity in support of the teaching of Religious Education and Collective Worship in schools, and children’s work in Churches throughout Essex.  This charity was called F.L.U.T.E. (Faith, Learning, Understanding, Training, Education) and she spent six years supporting schools and churches by providing teacher training, leading missions and doing assemblies and family services.

Helen started her present job as Children’s Adviser and Education Officer for St. Edmundsbury & Ipswich Diocese and Cathedral in January 2001.  It is a unique role about which she is very enthusiastic, as she is able to work with both schools and Churches, nurturing children and all those who work with them, in the Christian faith.

Married to Mark, who works for the Open University, they both enjoy their home and garden and making music together in choirs and their Church music group.

As well as developing a general understanding of the spiritual aspects of ageing, Keith has developed a particular interest in end of life issues, and produced a training programme to support staff in becoming active accompanists to older people as they embark on their final lap of life.