20 people lose jobs as Christian retreat is victim of crunch

By [jmcfarlane]

A CHRISTIAN retreat and conference centre has become the latest victim of the credit crunch and is set to close, with the loss of 20 jobs.

The board of trustees who run Morley Retreat and Conference House say the centre is no longer attracting enough custom to make it financially viable.

A spokesman said: "The current economic climate and the fact that many guests now expect the en-suite facilities we lack means Morley is no longer attracting sufficient custom to make it financially viable."

The trustees also blame the rising costs of maintaining the grade II-listed Georgian building.

The retreat, in Morley, is owed by the Derby Diocesan Board of Finance. A board of trustees leases the building and runs it as a business.

It is used by members of the clergy for their ordination retreats and by the Church of England as a quiet place where people can pray and reflect.

It is also used by private groups and individuals and can accommodate between 30 and 40 people at a time.

The Rev Mike Alexander, chairman of the trustees, said a "cash-flow problem" had led to the decision.

He said: "It is a very sad time for a special place, which would have been celebrating its 50th anniversary towards the end of this year.

"We have worked hard to try and find a way to bring the retreat house's facilities up to date but the sums needed to develop the building are way beyond the financial resources we could realistically attract."

It will cease trading at a date to be agreed with the Diocesan Board of Finance.

The trustees say that, in consultation with the Board of Finance, they will draw up a programme leading to closure and will work with the four full-time and 16 part-time staff to see that everything possible is done to help them.

The Bishop of Derby, Dr Alastair Redfern, said the retreat had been a "wonderful asset" for the Diocese of Derby.

He said: "I want to pay tribute to Mike Alexander, his fellow trustees and staff for their impressive work.

"However we live in difficult and challenging times, especially with regard to resources and ways of operation"

Morley Retreat House, once the rectory for Morley, was first used for its current purpose when it became surplus to requirements 50 years ago.

It was extended in the 1960s and in 2000. Also in 2000, it became a charitable business with a body of trustees to manage it and act as directors.