Leaving our daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren in Essex, our daughter-in-law in Hampshire and our son at sea in HMS Nottingham we flew out from UK on 15th September. A month has passed since we arrived here and so much has happened it’s difficult to know where to start. 

I was last in Aden in 1964-65 when serving in HMS Anzio, a tank landing ship, plying Gulf waters for a year. Aden was still a British protectorate then and quite different from other Gulf states. Although now a part of the Republic of Yemen, Aden maintains it’s unique individuality. The stark ruggedness of volcanic mountains, dusty roads and humid heaviness of the weather are contrasted with the colourful friendliness of the people. There are new buildings now, some of the old ones that I remember are in ruins but some of the ancient ones still stand proud with the coloured glass “Gamariya” windows characteristic of this part of the world. My first impressions on arriving at Christ Church in Tawahi was how beautifully clean and welcoming it is, a credit to the staff and their hard work in such a dusty environment.



Because of the world situation following the events of 11th.September, my hand-over from Ben Chase, who “held the fort” for six months, was shortened to just two days to enable him and Bobbie to take a convenient flight to the ‘States via London. Once “in harness” my first decision, after consulting the vet at length, was to have Maxima, the church dog, put to sleep as she was suffering an awful open wound caused by a cancerous tumour. It was a sad day and the staff and friends miss her very much. We are hoping to get another dog soon but nothing will replace “Maxi”.

As days rolled on we began learning and remembering the names of the staff and other ex-pats and our “Mr.Fixit”, Mansour Khan, assisted us to come to grips with the multitude of routine tasks that present themselves each day along with the unexpected things. One such unexpected thing is a bill for something like one and a half million Yemini Rials for electricity! This is the result of a decision by someone somewhere to charge for what has previously been given for free to all mosques and places of worship, a common practice in Arab countries, I believe. Fr. Matthew, the RC Priest and I have written jointly to the authorities to try to get this clarified and we await a reply. One thing is certain, we have received no official notification from the government that there has been a change in policy! 

Valentina, our mid-wife from Russia and Patricia, our nurse from Singapore ,have both returned and the clinic is once more gaining pace. The Eye Clinic remains closed pending the start of building the extension which, God willing and income enabling, should be fairly soon. There are constant enquiries from those in desperate need of help for eye problems.

I am aware of the need of someone to visit the port on a regular basis since we have frequent visits from seamen in need of help of all kinds. Recently I have dealt with one of the men from the Iraqi ships that are still held here since the Gulf war and with the Indian crew of a ship registered in Mogadishu which has been arrested here. This crew have received no pay for six months and their supply of fresh water and food has frequently been cut; negotiations are under way to get them repatriated.

Yesterday we received a call from the Immigration office asking us if we could go to the prison in Mansoura where they are holding 85 Ethiopians, four of whom are quite sick.. We took our Yemini doctor, Nada, with us and she treated all four for very nasty ulcers that had become infected, poisonous and swollen causing extreme pain and difficulty in moving around. We pray that the prayer, money and manpower will enable us to continue this ministry to those who are so much in need.

Next Friday we are to celebrate the wedding of a couple from the Ethiopian community who use this church for their worship. I have the privilege of conducting the ceremony and all members of our congregation are invited; we look forward to a colourful and happy time.