OVER 60 people attended the launch of Bude Street Pastors last Thursday at the Falcon Hotel, and the organisers were very pleased with the response both from local people, businesses and churches. This Christian initiative began in 2003 in London and has now reached Bideford, Barnstaple and Newquay in the west.

The evening was compared by Roger Rowland, chairman of the organising committee and Pastor of Bude Christian Fellowship who spoke initially of the Christian origin of this initiative and a desire to see the church on the streets where the community would see them.

The event began with a worship song performed by John Greening, a local church member and worship leader. This was followed by a reading from the Bible; the story of the good Samaritan read from the Street Bible by John Smythe. Then endorsements followed from various local dignitaries and the police force.

First to speak was Dan Rogerson, MP for North Cornwall who said he was happy to endorse this initiative as a Christian, local man and MP with a desire to build stronger and more coherent communities. Cllr Lance Kennedy of Cornwall Cabinet spoke of the need for this kind of action both as a member of the unitary council and as a past Police Officer who had experience of the night-time economy.

Peter Moore, Bude Mayor, gave the scheme his endorsement and offered the support of the local council. Inspector Norman Amey of Devon and Cornwall Constabulary spoke next about his lengthy association with Street Pastors and how wherever they worked in the South West it resulted in a reduction of crime and generally more coherent communities.

He was able to quote statistics from the police on recorded crime which revealed quite dramatic falls in all types of crime in the area where Street Pastors operated. This could not be proved as a result of Street Pastors presence but did repeatedly occur where they became present on the street, along with reports of difficult situations being resolved without police intervention.

Roger Rowland then conducted a short interview with Mrs Maria Sturt, a member of his church who had been out with Bideford Street Pastors to experience the work first-hand and decide if it was where she felt God called her to minister and work. She told everyone how she was accepted by the young people on the streets and how great it felt to be able to be there for people in need when many turned their backs or ignored them. Maria also told the attendees that age was not a problem or issue and all who cared could do this work.

The group then heard from Ros Ede, the Ascension Trust representative and co-ordinator of Torbay Street Pastors. She spoke about the origin of the Street Pastor initiative and how to set-up a group from the beginning and what was involved, both commitment and cost wise.

To close, Kevin Hogarth made a passionate appeal for the two needs of the scheme. Firstly for people to volunteer now as street pastors and prayer partners. He told the audience that God called us all and gave us the gifts and talents to achieve his calling, but we had to step up and test if it was 'us' he called. Secondly for funds, saying as a Christian initiative the community would look for the church to lead the giving.

The evening ended with refreshments while people talked and filled in application forms, others donated money. All the printed application forms were taken and a list of names was started to send forms to. Offers were made of finance and gifts and the first training session was set for March 20 with the vision of having Street Pastors on the streets of Bude by May.

For the management committee; Roger Rowland, Kev Hogarth, Pauline Goodson, Debbie Prevett, Paula Dolphin, John Smythe, PC Dave Flynn this is the beginning of something they are committed to for Bude.

If anyone would like to apply or contribute to the scheme in Bude, the team can be contacted at the Life Centre or 07960 581068 for details.