Denis Nowlan, New Executive Director of IofC UK, speaks about his first few weeks in his new role.

“I’m just two months into this job and it gets more fun and more fascinating each day. There are so many things going on, so much to learn about personalities, projects and properties. I want to thank Jacqui Begley, our Operational Director, for her kindness and expertise in inducting me into so many aspects of the charity. I am yet to have a dull moment.

The peak experience, of course, was the gig on 22nd April by the Vasu Dixit Project, a trio of thrilling musicians from Bangalore (pictured above with Denis and former Chair of Trustees, Margaret Cosens). I had the privilege of hearing them first in January, when they performed for a conference at Asia Plateau. Thanks to Trudy Lister’s (Head of Marketing and Communications) persistence, they agreed to do a show in the Barn at Greencoat Place as part of their European tour. They play an electro-folk-rock fusion, with lyrics often based on poets like Kabir, the 15th century mystic. Their message – intensely felt – is one of peace, love and ‘seeking the guru within’. When did we last have a live band play at Greencoat Place? We should do it at least once a week.

We’ve also had an AGM (for 2022! – catching up after all the dislocations of covid). There was a good showing of association members who passed nearly unanimous votes for the election of some fine Trustees to oversee and guide our charity: Cathy Boobbyer, Ian Corcoran, Gerry Doherty and Lul Seyoum. We heard about some of the financial challenges we face, due to rising costs and diminished returns on investments.

I offered some reflections on the life – and global influence of St Francis of Assisi. Philip Boobbyer (Cathy’s brother-in-law) delivered an eloquent tribute to Margaret Cosens as she stepped down after her years of selfless service. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside Margaret these last two months and I can’t tell you how much I’ve admired her courage, generosity and wisdom.

We now have a new Chair, Mike Kane MP. I’m sure he will lead us boldly into new adventures. This week he hosted a cross-party gathering of MPs and Peers in Parliament to hear an impassioned briefing from the Catholic parish priest of Gaza on the desperate suffering there. By the way, if anyone has inspiration to initiate events anywhere in the country, don’t hesitate to let me know. We want to ensure the widest possible outreach and impact for everything we do. I’m making plans to visit colleagues in various cities over the next couple of months and made a start the other day in Oxford, where I was welcomed by Su and Peter Riddell.

Meanwhile, Daniel Treasure, our well-named properties manager, and the indefatigable Keith Burton, are leading a much needed sprucing up of Greencoat Place. On your next visit you may enjoy the smell of fresh paint, along with mended plumbing and – most important, if less visible – a leak-proofed roof!