A celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit of the rural church and its communities will take place on Thursday 22nd April at the Annual Meeting of rural Christian charity the Arthur Rank Centre.

The ARC Meeting is always a chance for people involved in rural community affairs to pick up tips and share experiences, and this year takes innovation as its theme. The programme will look at ARC projects including the Rural Stress Helpline and community affairs news service RuSource, as well as new ideas for worship in rural churches.

Rev’d Dr Gordon Gatward, Director of the ARC, said: “Problems in the countryside still endure. But it is so good to hear of positive initiatives being undertaken to deal with these issues. I am proud that the ARC remains in the forefront of providing exciting and creative initiatives to support the rural community and its churches, and hope that this meeting will provide inspiration for others who share our mission.”

The meeting will also give people a rare chance to hear from Heather Gorringe, founder of Wiggly Wigglers, the multi award-winning rural business phenomenon, and social media pioneer.

The ARC Annual Meeting takes place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, on Thursday 22nd April, at 12pm. To book a free place call 02476 853065 or email miriw@rase.org.uk