Four decades of workplace chaplaincy at Gateshead’s Metrocentre has been celebrated during a special gathering at the venue.
The Bishop of Durham, Rick Simpson, joined chaplains from past and present at the event, on Thursday, 22 October, as well as other guests, including Church and Metrocentre representatives.
The chaplaincy began shortly after Metrocentre first opened back in 1986, providing pastoral care for thousands of staff. It became the UK’s first chaplaincy at an out-of-town shopping centre.
Bishop Rick gave thanks for 40 years of service and prayed for the staff, businesses and visitors, as well as for the chaplaincy’s future. He also gave encouragement for workplace chaplaincies and the Church’s presence alongside people in their everyday working lives.
Bishop Rick said: "The people who work here have lives, family, friends, hopes, fears, illness, homes, all of which matter. In the midst of all this, chaplains, by their presence, their prayers, their conversation, are a reminder of God and God’s presence with us in every part of life. The chaplaincy here helps people who work at Metrocentre, who are wrestling with the stuff of life, to know they don’t have to do this alone.”
Chaplain Team Leader, Fiona Usher said: “The chaplaincy has been a constant fixture during four decades of change in the retail sector. It has evolved with the times but our chaplains have always sought to offer presence, listening and care to people regardless of their circumstances, supporting them through everything from daily struggles to family trauma and bereavement.
"We will be forever grateful for all who have served and shaped this chaplaincy from day one. As we mark this significant milestone, we are as committed to supporting the workforce and the chaplaincy remains available to people of all faiths, beliefs or none.”
Key figures attending the event included Rosemary Jones and Charlotte Moss, of the Church Commissioners for England, as well as the Revd Jona Sewell, Methodist District Chair.
Celebrating its own 40th anniversary this year, Metrocentre opened after being developed by Sir John Hall and his company, Cameron Hall Developments, with backing from the Church Commissioners of England. Chaplaincy was part of the vision for the centre, which would become an everyday workplace for thousands of employees, from shop assistants and shopkeepers, to management, cleaning and maintenance staff, security and police officers.
Centre Director Gavin Prior said: “Reaching this special milestone is a further reminder of the groundbreaking vision behind Metrocentre. Not only was it the first out-of-town shopping centre of its kind in the UK, but it was also the first to welcome a workplace chaplaincy. Four decades on, that warm welcome remains every bit as strong, as does our commitment to offering colleagues a trusted space for support, comfort and guidance."
The late Revd John Hammersley became Metrocentre’s first resident chaplain and a trusted presence. The chaplaincy became an outlet for people to discuss their joys, worries, relationships and health issues, as well as other everyday concerns. It was also a place where people could discuss faith.
Canon Lyn Jamieson took over from John in 1994, beginning her ministry with a simple discipline of walking the malls, calling into shops, talking to people and kept returning. She became a familiar face amongst staff and summed up her role in three categories – listening sympathetically, offering comfort and when invited, offering prayer.
Lyn left to become chaplain to the Bishop of Durham (2002-2005), and Rev June Robson became Lead Chaplain. Lyn returned in 2006 and remained with the chaplaincy until retiring in 2019.
From 1999, the chaplaincy became a team with the introduction of volunteer chaplains, with Maria Farrington becoming the first volunteer chaplain to join the team, enabling the service to reach more people within Metrocentre. Lyn would host students from theological colleges and led training sessions for those seeking to learn about retail chaplaincy.
As the years progressed, the chaplaincy embraced the challenges of a changing world, supporting staff at Gateshead Foodbank and adapting to the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.
The chaplaincy, which runs under the auspices of the Northumbrian Industrial Mission (NIM), the ecumenical Christian charity, has recently established a new management support group and has received £5,800 from Benefact Trust to support its continued development and expansion.
Canon Peter Dodd, who served as a chaplain with NIM for 35 years, attended the event to pay tribute to John Hammersley. Canon Lyn Jamieson was represented by her husband, the Revd Tom Jamieson.
Could you offer a listening ear and a caring presence in someone’s working day? Northumbrian Industrial Mission is looking for volunteer workplace chaplains, including at Metrocentre, to support people of all faiths and none. If you enjoy connecting with people and would like to explore whether chaplaincy could be for you, contact nimchaplaincy@gmail.com for an informal conversation.
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