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Pioneers |
George Lovell
George Lovell, a Methodist minister, was Director of Avec from 1976-91 and the research worker. He was an AVEC Resources Trustee until 2006. From 1994—1999 he was a senior research fellow in the School of Theology, Westminster College, Oxford. He inaugurated a postgraduate course on consultancy and worked as a consultant in his retirement.
The Revd Dr George Lovell reviewed his life and work in an interview in September 2011. Click here for a transcript.
He died on 7th October 2018 in his 89th year. During the last decade of his life he worked on an extensive autoethnography, My Life, Work and Ministry: Notes from Retirement, which is hosted on this website by courtesy of the Avec Trustees.
A memorial service for the Rev Dr George Lovell was held at Westminster Central Hall, London, on Thursday February 28th 2019 at noon, followed by refreshments. The service was a celebration of Dr Lovell's enduring impact on the lives and ministry of the many people from across the denominations who attended courses at the church and community development agency Avec and of those who later studied for the MA in Consultancy for Mission and Ministry at Cliff College and at York St John’s. Through their ministry and through his extensive writing, particularly from his time as a Senior Research Fellow at Westminster College, Oxford, his unique contribution lives on. Here are some of the tributes paid to George at the memorial service: From the Revd Lord Leslie Griffiths From Parchmore Methodist Church and Community Centre From Richard McKay & Helen Cameron A recording of part of his funeral service at Lidgett Park Methodist Church on 18th October 2018 is available on request to john@summerwill.co.uk Service led by the Revd Robert Creamer (Superintendent) Lord Griffiths' sermon is here |
Catherine Widdicombe
Catherine Widdicombe, an AVEC Resources Trustee until 2008, was Associate Director of Avec from 1976—92 and involved in training and consultancy work. She is a former President of the Grail, a Roman Catholic lay organization.
Catherine Widdicombe has reviewed her life and work in an interview in June 2015, revised 2016. Click here for a transcript of the interview and a memoir by the Revd Canon Dr Malcolm Grundy.
The Battens
Reg and Madge Batten worked and wrote extensively on community development from their base in the University of London where Reg was Reader in Community Development Studies. Avec Resources' material builds on the foundations they laid.