Othona Bradwell News

June 2026 – Special Edition 

Dear Members, Friends and Supporters of the Othona Community Bradwell

Welcome to our June Special Newsletter!

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PEOPLE NEWS

Appointment of Kathryn Brooks as Interim Warden at Bradwell

 With David Jenkins, our previous Warden, having now moved on, the Othona Trustees are pleased to be able to announce arrangements at Bradwell for the next few months or so.

 Kathryn Brooks, currently the Deputy Warden at the Othona Community West Dorset and already known to many of you, has come ‘out East’ to work with Jenny Thurston, Deputy Warden, the rest of the Core Team and the volunteers at Bradwell.

 Here, she shares a few details with us:

 “I first visited Othona in 2008 and Bradwell in 2018. One way and another it has called me back many times, and I have volunteered at both sites in addition to spells on the core community in Dorset. In July 2024 I took up the post as Deputy Warden in Dorset. Last summer, I divided my time between Othona West Dorset and Bradwell. 

 I am honoured to have now been asked to move across to Bradwell as Interim Warden for a period. I am grateful to Jenny and the team for my welcome and for all they have done to keep Bradwell running well over recent months and I am pleased to be able to support Jenny as she returns to her substantive role after her spell as Acting Warden.

 My prior career has been varied, most of it in people facing settings, in particular in social work management and leadership. I have lived and worked in two other international communities and volunteered in two other retreat centres. When time permits I also continue to volunteer with other charities, primarily those working in pursuit of social justice, including being chair of trustees for a homeless charity in the West Midlands.

 I am looking forward to the summer at Bradwell, including the 80th anniversary celebrations, and to working with the team to ensure that Othona can continue to offer a warm welcome and the experience of open inclusive community that it does so well. I look forward to reconnecting with many community members that I already know and meeting new people. 

A Farewell to Dora by Jenny

Many of you will have had the opportunity to have met the wonderful Dora from Hungary, our most recent Workaway Volunteer. Dora has now completed her time at Othona Bradwell, and will be much missed. She was a much loved member of the residential community, full of joy and with a great sense of humour, tireless and ever ready to turn her hand to anything. The whole team wishes her well for her next adventures.

Vacancy for Residential Team Member

Are you seeking a role that is more than just a job, but it is a way of life; living and working
with others in an inclusive community setting on the Essex Coast
The Othona Community is seeking a full-time Residential Team Member to live and work on-site at
the centre at Bradwell-on-Sea in Essex.

For further information please visit our website – Residential Team Member

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

Christian Nationalism? Something to talk about?

 Othona Community members will be aware of the growth in recent years of political movements in the USA and Europe, including in the UK, that use Christian symbols and Scriptural references to justify policy platforms that are essentially anti-refugee, misogynistic, xenophobic, militaristic and homophobic. At their worst, these groups promote their agendas in ways that are based on intimidation and violence against minority groups.

This movement echoes the spiritual and philosophical history of 1930s Europe. 80 years on it seems we are back where Othona started. As a community rooted in inclusive Christian traditions and which draws inspiration from the Gospel teachings of Jesus Christ on love, peace and reconciliation, what should our response be, if any? A number of members, including trustees, are keen to explore whether Othona has a role in challenging this growth in Christian Nationalism.

We thought we could kick-off this discernment during our ’80th’ anniversary celebrations or in a series of short virtual discussion groups later in the summer and early autumn, to reflect on our individual and collective responses to this manifestation. But we’d like to hear from you, especially on these matters:

* Would you like to be involved in such a discussion group?

” What are your initial views on Christian Nationalism and how to address its claims?

* What are your initial thoughts as to the role of the Othona Community in responding to     Christian Nationalist propaganda and activities?

Please respond by 5th July 2026 to: paulsimon@othona.org

2026 PROGRAMME NEWS

 Urgent call-out for volunteers across the summer!

 With thanks to all who have already stepped up this year in so many wonderful and generous ways, the residential team at Bradwell are asking for your consideration and support as summer fast approaches.

There are the annual volunteering opportunities coming up to join the Team and help to carry the Community events through the excitements of August, not least for the 80th Celebrations in the first two weeks. 

However, for the remainder of June and July, we greatly welcome offers of volunteer support in all areas. You may be aware that the effects of Brexit mean international volunteers can only be with us for a maximum of 30 days, creating a significant ‘gaps’ in the capacity of the resident team.

While we’re also keen to hear about offers for August and the 80th, please, do consider if you’re able to offer a few days during June and July. 

 Maybe to support a weekend event as a team member, join in with activities for the school visits, or step up to assist with housekeeping for a turnaround day. The Centre is welcoming guests and community with constant, consecutive private and community events through-out June and July, so the availability you have to offer can be accommodated.

 Please be in touch with the dates you are available to volunteer in the usual way, by emailing Bradwell@othona.org

 With thanks and best wishes 

 Jenny 

Deputy Warden
 

Future community events at Bradwell with spaces available!

 A reminder of our future community events, which can be booked by emailing bradwellbookings@othona.org :-

•  Bradwell Pilgrimage – 3-5 July  
• Astronomy Week – 17-22 August (camping only)
• Family Week (22-29 August) (Yurts and camping only)
• A Time to Simply Be – week (1-4 Sept)
• A Time to Simply Be – weekend (4-6 Sept)

 You can browse all events on our website at Upcoming Events – Othona. 

80th Anniversary – August celebrations
The deadline for expressing an interest in attending the 80th celebrations is 30 June. 

Please email your interest to Bradwellbookings@othona.org

 Othona of the Past – 3-7 August – day visitors/camping only

Celebration Weekend 8-9 August – day visitors/camping only

Othona of the Future 10-15 August – space available 

Bradwell Centre Committee Open Meeting 15 August – space available