Our founding story
The Glanfield Children's Group was set up in 1987 and named in memory of Father Frank Glanfield, a priest who was involved with the care of children with specific needs both in Lourdes and in England.
In 1987 a small group formed the first "Glanfield Group" as part of The Catholic Association Pilgrimage which has been taking people to the shrine at Lourdes in France for over 100 years. Until 1987 most children taking part in the pilgrimage had been staying in the same hospital-style accommodation as adults, which wasn't really suited to them. The first "Glanfielders" had the vision of setting-up a group within The Catholic Association (C.A.) that was geared specifically towards the needs of children. Glanfield took children to stay in a hotel in Lourdes, and organised a programme specially for young people.
The group was founded by Eileen Diss and Mary Hodbay. Some helpers, such as Jo Fernandes (who led the group for many years), Nick Diss and Tony Martin, have been with us since the first group pilgrimage. The group is now led by a committee, with Fr. Tony Rogers (a priest from East Anglia Diocese) as Chaplain.
Nearly three decades later the Glanfield Group has taken to Lourdes hundreds of children with learning difficulties as well as chronic and terminal illness. We remain part of The Catholic Association, taking part in a pilgrimage every August. We continue to develop and are looking forward to a vibrant future!
In 1987 a small group formed the first "Glanfield Group" as part of The Catholic Association Pilgrimage which has been taking people to the shrine at Lourdes in France for over 100 years. Until 1987 most children taking part in the pilgrimage had been staying in the same hospital-style accommodation as adults, which wasn't really suited to them. The first "Glanfielders" had the vision of setting-up a group within The Catholic Association (C.A.) that was geared specifically towards the needs of children. Glanfield took children to stay in a hotel in Lourdes, and organised a programme specially for young people.
The group was founded by Eileen Diss and Mary Hodbay. Some helpers, such as Jo Fernandes (who led the group for many years), Nick Diss and Tony Martin, have been with us since the first group pilgrimage. The group is now led by a committee, with Fr. Tony Rogers (a priest from East Anglia Diocese) as Chaplain.
Nearly three decades later the Glanfield Group has taken to Lourdes hundreds of children with learning difficulties as well as chronic and terminal illness. We remain part of The Catholic Association, taking part in a pilgrimage every August. We continue to develop and are looking forward to a vibrant future!
