Annual Report 2007

Chair's Report

It is hard to believe that it is less than a year since we said goodbye to the Drinkwaters and welcomed Martin and Nicola Smith as new wardens at Link House. They have very quickly grasped the many responsibilities of the job and established friendly and supportive relationships with the residents, which are much appreciated. Nic's roast dinners have already become a legend! Jonathan and Laura Beatham have provided welcome continuity as assistant wardens at East Hertford street: they will be moving on to fresh challenges this summer. Deon and Karina moved out of the Gilbert Road house in July in anticipation of their new baby and were succeeded by Gugu and Lizzy Motshwene and their son Lindo. Gugu and Lizzy are both from South Africa but have ived in Cambridge for some time and were already involved in work with international students though their church and the Cambridge South African society. They have proved to be a great asset to the family at Gilbert Road, which now includes 4 pre-school children.

Apart from short periods in the summer all our rooms have been fully occupied for most of the year with a wide spread of nationalities (currently 21). Relationships between the residents have generally been good with many friendships established and good uptake for communal activities. The garden room has been well used for film nights, table tennis and the residents' own gatherings. Nic and Lizzy have started a fortnightly Women's Group, which is held at Gilbert Road, so the mothers can attend, but is open to women from the other houses also. A Visa course was run in the Garden room, and several students participated in Christian activities outside the house. One couple have come to faith and continue to have a great influence in the house.

The Trustees continue to meet quarterly and also attend events at the house and have informal links with residents: help with English has been particularly appreciated. Andrew Purton resigned as treasurer because of increasing commitments at church and Jannie Lawn resigned as a trustee. Elizabeth How has kindly agreed to take on the Treasurer role and will also serve as a trustee: her previous experience with charities and in finance will be very valuable. Helen Blake continues to help out in the office. Martin has initiated a new web site for Link House which is easier to update and will be more attractive to prospective residents. The Annual Opening Meeting for our supporters was held at Eden Chapel this year and was addressed by Professor Hugh Williamson one of our patrons.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Link House finances remain healthy. The book sale in February, the garden party in July and the card and picture sale in December all helped in this. However we are still maintaining a Building Fund against the possibility of moving Gilbert Road accommodation nearer to the main site. A possible site to build on now looks less feasible. Moving the "family" house to East Hertford Street may solve some of the problems of geography.As we approach the 20th anniversary of the opening of Link House we are grateful to God for many prayers answered.

"for friendship and support"

We continue to offer friendship and support to residents in a number of ways. This is has been a busy year continuing many Link House traditions as well as developing new events and groups.

Meals Together

We have found that getting people together over a meal is a popular way to bring all three houses together and develop relationships. We hold these meals each month and have had guest speakers and a quiz evening.

Film Nights

These have proven a popular monthly event - especially given the cost of going to the cinema! We have shown a variety of films from Amazing Grace to Shrek 3 to The Madness of King George. We have also used Good Friday to show the film The Passion of the Christ

VISA and Visa Plus

This year has seen the running of both VISA and VISA plus within Link House. Jonathan and Laura followed up the VISA course last spring with VISA plus and this year a VISA course has ran during the daytime for the Mothers at Gilbert Road.

These courses are a great opportunity to share Christian faith with the residents, develop new relationships and answer questions people have in small group settings.

Celebrating major festivals

We celebrate major Christian festival such as Easter and Christmas with events such as meals together, opportunities to go to church and hear the meaning behind the festival.

Christmas saw 41 people come together for a traditional Christmas lunch. We also had a great time decorating the houses together and preparing traditional Christmas food together.

Women's Group

A women' group has been running since September 2007 to particularly support the spouses of students. This has been held a Gilbert Road to enable the mums there to attend easily. We generally share lunch together but have also watched films and been swimming. It is a lovely chance to meet together, share experiences of life in Cambridge as well as discussing life from our various home countries.

Looking ahead

Relocating the Gilbert Road House
We are still actively looking for, and pursuing, possible options to relocate the Gilbert Road house nearer to the other houses. This would create a greater sense of community and inclusion for all residents.

Supporting residents and building relationships
We are continuing to encourage friends of Link House to consider ways in which they can practically support the residents. Could you consider some English conversation practice? Providing Sunday Lunch? Proof reading work?

20th Anniversary
This year sees the 20th Anniversary of the opening of the Gilbert Road house. We will be having a time of Celebration and Thanksgiving on the 30th August.