THE inspirational founder of a Leamington charity went back to the future at a special event on Saturday.
The Rev Anne Hibbert recalled her younger days as a 100-metre relay runner as she marked her retirement by literally passing the baton to the husband and wife who will be leading the next leg of The Well Christian Healing Centre’s story.
Rev Hibbert steps back from being Director of Ministry on December 7th and at a special service at St Paul’s Church attended by more than 250 people, she symbolically handed over a baton specially engraved with her name and those of Rev Ian and Ruth Dowsett, who will become The Well’s new co-directors.
The event was a chance to reflect on the progress of a charity that started in 2002 when Rev Hibbert received a vision from God to start a healing centre in the town, as she sat in a friend’s garden recovering from laryngitis.
It was a completely new challenge for her but with the support and encouragement of the then Bishop of Coventry, friends and many church leaders in the area, The Well came into being.
It now has a beautiful permanent home in the town centre but the intervening 23 years have seen various temporary bases before settling at 20 Augusta Place.
This almost nomadic existence saw The Well hold its prayer ministry sessions at The Royal Pump Rooms for many years, also renting other venues around the town for its growing range of activities.
These have included Quiet Days, Rest and Receive events, training courses, and Pathway days tackling topics such as depression.
While Rev Hibbert has led many of these, the events have also attracted speakers and musicians from around the world, just as the healing prayer sessions have brought people to Leamington from far and wide – an ambition at the heart of the original vision.
Saturday’s event heard the stories of some of those who had seen their lives changed by their visits to The Well and they were joined by others who had also been guests, volunteers, supporters, staff members, trustees and church leaders.
Reflecting afterwards, Rev Hibbert said:
“The last 23 years of the Well story have been amazing and I have been blown away by God’s faithfulness in bringing many thousands of guests to The Well with a great number experiencing emotional, physical or spiritual healing. I am truly grateful to have led The Well’s ministry from the beginning and delighted so many come to our celebration. I’m delighted to pass the baton to an outstanding couple with an exciting vision for the future of The Well.”
The Dowsett’s come to the Well from North London with 21 years’ experience of local church ministry followed by 2 years as co-leaders of a Christian Community. Previously Ian was the Vicar of St Paul’s church, Harrow where Ruth served as a senior leader.
Ian said: “We just want to say thank you to Anne and all who have worked alongside her to bring the Well to what it is today. A place of healing, where people feel loved, welcome and safe. We feel excited to come to Leamington and take the baton on. We would love to see The Well become even more accessible to all parts of Leamington’s community. Come and see us!”