It was great to see so many of you on our New Year’s Break. The hotel and workshop leaders did a brilliant job and we have received lots of great feedback. It was a super way to end 2014 and bring in 2015. Thanks for joining us! We look back on yet another year where people have had lots of fun, enjoyed new and lasting friendships and even met future partners.
Since Network Christians CIC started late 2012, we have significantly reduced the cost of membership, introduced free day events for members, and reduced the price of most events and breaks. This was intended to give our current customers even better value and also attract a wider group of people to our community.
Unfortunately, during the last two years, Network Christians has not seen the needed increase in people taking up membership/events and this has now exhausted the reserves of the company. So, it is with sadness that the Board announces its decision to cease trading and begin the process of closure. We know that many of you will share our disappointment and sadness in seeing the end of this unique Christian organisation.
What’s Next?
Our first priority is to preserve the good name and reputation of Network Christians. Consequently, our current Director, Susan Ashman and Ex-Director, James Waddell, have agreed that refunds to customers should be given priority over their own debts. Those affected will shortly receive refunds. All other creditors, with the exception of Susan Ashman and James Waddell, will have been paid in full.
Thank You
Here are some people who have made significant difference and deserve our thanks:
- Our founders, David and Gill Ruffle, who shaped and served NC sacrificially for over 16 years.
- Our volunteers, who have helped to run many day events and holidays, shared their ideas and support. A particular big thank to Arnold Steeds who has been an indispensable volunteer since our founding.
- Susan Ashman, who took the reins 10 years ago and has since worked tirelessly to make a positive difference for single Christians in the UK.
- James Waddell, whose investment enabled NC to reinvent itself as a ‘not for profit’ in September 2012.
- Our NC CIC non-Executive Directors, Nigel Stally, Jean Tutton and also our NC Ltd ex- secretary Michael Croucher.
- Our members, who have enabled us to be financially viable in challenging times.
- Our donors, who have helped raise awareness of the issues facing single people.
- Finally to all our customers, whether guests or members, you are the reason we have existed and without you all it would have been very lonely!
There’s Still Work To Do!
The numbers of single adults in the UK continue to climb with a single adult for every couple in the UK. Our churches need to recognise this as an important mission field and prepare their church environment to be a welcoming and accepting place.
We believe the main thrust for this change needs to come from single Christian people committing themselves to make a positive difference in their churches and communities. So, we encourage you to give your moral, practical and financial support to those who are able to work for the well-being of single Christians. After all ‘It’s better together!’
We would like to recommend to you David Pullinger who continues to be a pioneer in this area. We know that many of you have enjoyed his seminars at our New Year Breaks. David has conducted research, which was co-funded by Network Christians and this is now available on his new website www.singularinsight.com. You will find links there to his other published work on related topics and, of course, be able to contact him directly.
Many thanks and best wishes to you all,
The Board: Susan Ashman, Jean Tutton, Nigel Stally
Ex-Director: James Waddell
