Earlier this year, our beloved Cathie Wright stepped down from her role as a trustee after almost 10 years. We will miss her ability to combine kindness with deep understanding, as well as her invaluable contributions towards the aesthetic and upcycling aspect of the Salisbury Centre. Cathie has shared her wisdom and knowledge freely and openly, and we will always be grateful for her recommendations, advice and support.
Even though she is not a trustee anymore, one can often find Cathie in the Salisbury Centre – whether whilst doing yoga on Tuesday mornings, or holding silent meditations, perhaps teaching people how to sew, and even learning how to make artisanal chocolate. The Salisbury Centre is a warmer and brighter place thanks to her kind smile and positive spirit.
Thank you for all your support over the years, Cathie!
We asked Cathie to summarise her time as a trustee at The Salisbury Centre. Here is what she has to say:
‘In January 2012 I was told I would have to stop working as psychotherapist at the Salisbury Centre as it was closing down. Pretty dramatic, and upsetting.
In June I had relocated my practice and happened to be at the Centre, when I met Linda Wyman, the Chairman of the trustees at that time. We chatted and I asked about what was going to happen at the Centre from now on and gave her some ideas!! Her response was to ask if I would like to become a trustee. ‘Ok’ I said cheerfully, without understanding what that might entail.
Well it has been quite a ride. There have been some scary times, such as the first few months following the closure when we relied on Lyndon Antle our administrator for nine months who
worked without pay, a volunteer, a lifeline for the Centre. Geetam, Gandolf and Margaret continued to meet on Friday lunchtimes, keeping continuity and community alive. By August 2o12 the Centre had been cleared of all residents and renters, and the group of trustees were faced with the future, and really no plans at all. Our sister building, donated to us by Sara Trevelyan, gave us a small income and the invaluable help of Ian Rodger the manager. With three trustees, Helen Kennedy and myself and Lyndon Antle, replaced later by Eileen Foulner we negotiated some tricky rapids. Almost being sucked into some probably disastrous projects, but just escaping.
When I reflect on those times, when we really did not know where we were going, all we could do was continue to rent rooms and have residents to manage the building and survive. It was a case of just taking the next step. We were greatly helped by having Abbey Mount – a building just up from the Palace donated to us by Sara Trevelyan. When we sold the building we had the cash to really move forward, and were able to pay a manager and begin to improve the building. We always had in mind the aims of the formation of the Centre, which could be summarised as Body, Mind, Spirit and Earth. I can see now that we negotiated our way because we held to the values of respect and consideration towards each other, as each of us had a spiritual practice we were able to rest in the knowledge that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. The building itself has held us, meeting in the library with that sense of order and peace, the garden ever inviting.
Highlights of my time. The arrival of John and Renate Edwards our new residents. The first midwinter solstice labyrinth in the studio, and the midsummer solstice that followed. Lyndon Antle being a volunteer administrator for nine months, with new facilitators and therapists starting to bring in an income.
The sale of Abbeymount, facilitated by Eileen Foulner. Increase in numbers of trustees, including Geetam and Kim Wolfe Murray. Appointment of Pam Candea as our first paid manager.
I took 2 years off, between 2017 and 2019, then returned at Colin Orr’s request. Finally stepped down July 2024, the year after the 50 birthday celebrations.
I just marvel at the changes I have seen. We were so close to selling the building, and setting up a trust in the name of the centre. We have moved from nothing to the present bustling lively place. Dear to my heart is the emphasis on environment and living sustainably, and the ambition to be net zero as soon as we can. Salisbury Centre is taking on the current issues, just as it did in 1973.
Now as we approach the winter solstice, we have a wonderful team of people holding the values of the Centre, and developing rituals and practices that enable us to move into the next difficult times. The fire pit, the stories, and songs and the rituals form the heart of our beautiful space.’
If you feel inspired by Cathie’s words, and feel like you would like to become a Trustee at The Salisbury Centre, please get in touch with us! You can learn more about what the trustee role entails here. For other ways on how to get involved and for the information on how to apply, please visit our volunteer page: https://salisbury.lunaria-design.com/volunteering/