The National Estate
Churches Network
NECN: The National Estate Churches Network
Charity Registered in England & Wales, No 1104767
Registered Office: Bishop’s House, Orsett Road, Horndon-on-the Hill, Essex, SS17, 8NS
www.nationalestatechurches.org
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David Greenfield is our Development Worker and is a key part of making the Network work for all of us. Contact him: M: 07809 877685 E: Click here to email

David’s role means he makes various visits around the country. Read about his latest visit below, or click here to read about previous trips.
Blackpool Tower
Development Worker’s visit to Blackpool

At the invitation of Deaconess Judith Wray, I visited the Open Door project on Grange Park Estate in Blackpool on 30 March. Four years ago, Judith Wray was invited by the Blackpool Methodist Circuit to work on one of the most deprived housing estates in the north west and with the highest rate of
teenage pregnancy in the UK. With no links, little funding and no premises, Judith looked for inspiration. She attended the NECN conference in Birmingham and was encouraged by the stories from other estates around the country.

She later identified two under-used community centres on the estate to base the work. Now with a dedicated team drawn from the Layton Churches Together and Blackpool Methodist Circuit, there are weekly
Grange Park Youth Art sign
activities serving local residents including affordable breakfasts, days out and other social activities. Many have benefitted greatly from this project, but one story I heard stood out. Read Haleema’s story here.

I joined the team at 9:00 a.m. as they set up to serve breakfasts to local residents. I was impressed by the dedication and commitment to quality in
Grange Park Open Door Team
David serving breakfasts
Serving Breakfasts and chat
Judith & Lloyd Wray
Open Air Easter Passion on the estate with a local school

Open Air Easter Passion on the estate with a local school

Judith & Lloyd Wray