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We
were formed by amalgamating the separate congregations of Toulouse and Cahors
in the early 1960s, with support from the much longer-established
chaplaincy of Aquitaine.
In the Toulouse area,
growth was stimulated by British collaboration in the aircraft industry,
initially Concorde and later Airbus, in which ventures BAE Systems was and is a major partner.
Both led to an influx of British and other English-speaking
workers. Other firms opened offices in Toulouse, profiting from the
'high-tech' environment and bringing more English-speaking workers.
At about the same time, a further congregation developed in Cahors, composed mainly of British
retirees.
Since
then, as the area has become so popular with holiday-makers and retirees,
congregations in both centres have grown significantly. In addition,
people living some distance from Toulouse and Cahors, and feeling the
need for regular reflection and worship, did over recent years form
home-based groups in a number of areas — Puycelci in north-west Tarn, Limoux in the Aude, and Valence d'Agen in Tarn-et-Garonne. With
support from the chaplaincy clergy, these groups have taken root and are
now a vital part of our spiritual life. Over 40 years on, the chaplaincy
is a living church community, with much to offer English speakers in this
part of France.
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