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The Chaplaincy
started to develop in the early 1960s, initially served from the
much-longer-established Chaplaincy based in the Aquitaine. In the Toulouse area, it was
stimulated by the growth of the British collaboration in the aircraft
industry, initially Concorde and later Airbus, in which ventures BAE
Systems in the UK was a major partner. Both led to an influx of British
and other English-speaking workers. Other firms have also opened offices
in Toulouse, profiting from the 'high-tech' environment and bringing more
English-speaking workers. At about the same time, a further small
congregation came into being in Cahors, composed at that time mainly
of retired British people. We have had a full-time Chaplain since the
late 1980s.
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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