Welcome to Touchstone
What is Touchstone?
Touchstone was established in 1989 as a Methodist presence in the city centre of Bradford - a church presence without a congregation serving not only Methodists but also the wider church in its work with communities across Bradford and West Yorkshire.
Touchstone employs five members of staff, has a volunteer base of ten and is managed by the Touchstone Council, drawn from around the Methodist District and chaired by Rev Graham Carter.
In 2008 the Methodist Church designated Touchstone as "A District project of Connexional significance". This recognised ways in which Touchstone experience and expertise can be used by the wider church and this will affect the pattern of work in the Project's third decade. Enquiries about visits to the Touchstone centre or visits by staff to other places are always welcome.
We are open during office hours, but also at other times and we welcome visitors from many places. Visitors are particularly welcome on Thursdays to join our weekly prayers at 12.45pm.
Why 'Touchstone'?
One type of 'touchstone' is a very ordinary looking rock which is used to test the purity of gold and gold alloys - the metal leaves streaks when drawn across the touchstone. Our ordinary looking house is a place where people can discover the best in themselves. Another 'touchstone' is the fool in Shakespeare's "As You Like It". There is a long tradition among Christians that one should be prepared to look foolish in order to achieve things that are good and worthwhile.
"Listening Community" & weaving
On the day of Pentecost people were heard and understood in their own language. In a multiracial and multicultural city Touchstone is becoming a listening community so that people with different experiences can really come to understand each other and help the city to flourish.
Weaving is a traditional activity in Bradford. In the 19th Century the city was an international centre of textile manufacture and known as the 'Wool Capital of the World'. Although most of the mills have now closed, there are still many memories of weaving in Bradford and colourful markets selling wonderful fabric.
Stories about weaving are also around in the many cultures that form the community here, in particular amongst asylum seekers and refugees from around the world and the many Pakistani families who have links with the mills.
Touchstone has a loom so that anyone who visits can 'have a go' and begin to share stories and creativity.
Meet the Staff
Pictured right to left:
Rev Dr Barbara Glasson, Team Leader;
Awais Mughal, Faith to Faith Worker;
David Howarth, Administrator;
Ruth Hilton, Creative Arts & Hospitality Co-ordinator;
Liz Firth, Chaplaincy Co-ordinator.
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32 Merton Road.
Tel: 01274 721626 |
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And here we have many of the Volunteers with the Staff at Norwood Retreat Centre for one of our Away Days in September 2011.