The Ashbourne Churches Together - Patna Partnership grew out of
a visit to Derbyshire by Bishop Philip Marandih of the Church of North India
in 1998 when he stayed with Christopher Harrison, the Rural Dean. The Church
of North India is an ecumenical church, formed in the early 70's by the
amalgamation of five denominations. A party from Ashbourne visited Bihar
for three weeks in 2000. Bihar state is one of the poorest in India. During
their stay they spent three days at St Luke's hospital, Hiranpur. ACT
decided to support the partnership by launching an appeal to raise money
to re-roof parts of the hospital.See Photographs
The St. Luke's Hospital AppealThis hospital is a very special
place. It is a Christian Foundation, serving people regardless of caste, creed or religion.
It caters mainly for for the indigenous tribal people and its conditions are extremely basic.
The hospital was built over 70 years ago and is heavily used by local people. It is self-funding
for its day to day running costs (just!!) but the buildings are in poor condition and there is
no money available for repairs. Hence the appeal. All the roofs leaked! The first priority was the
operating theatres and the inpatient wards. They had to close completely in the monsoon rain.
Ashbourne Churches Together raised £12,000 within three years, to re-tile the
whole roof.
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2004 visit
In June 2004Bishop Philip brought a party of four headteachers (including his wife Lily) to Ashbourne.
They spent two weeks in and around Ashbourne.
2006 visit
A party of seven people visit the Patna Diocese in February 2006, together with the Revd. Christopher Harrison
who visited the CNI Headquarters in Delhi. Six are visiting the diocese and hoping to produce a booklet of opportunities
for volunteers on their return. The seventh party member is staying for nearly three months working in
St. Luke's hospital, Hiranpur. Read their report here.
Child Sponsorship Scheme
The Ashbourne group is promoting a scheme to cover the accommodation costs of girls at St. John's School Taljhari.
More details on the
Ashbourne Churches Together website.
2007 visit
Click the title for a report from the eight people who visited Patna in February and March.
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