BISH - Birmingham International Student Homes

What an amazing and eventful year in the life of BISH! Although this year has been unusually challenging, it has been highly successful in fulfilling our role of providing good homes for overseas students in a caring, supportive and Christian environment.

          
o In the year we were host to over 500 students and their families from at least 40 countries as they came to Birmingham to take knowledge back home
         

o In addition to our ongoing maintenance programmes we were able to catch up with vital refurbishment of our two properties

       
oand we started a long term upgrading plan by converting 5 rooms to have En Suite Facilities.

In consequence BISH had a net cash outflow over the full year (adequately covered by reserves) and whilst the budget for the forthcoming year is very tight we do see occupancy and consequently the financial position improving.

During the year we said goodbye to a significant number of our people and welcomed some new faces. In particular I must pay tribute to David Easton, our Chairman, who left us for his new appointment in the West Country. We miss both his wise counsel and his care and support for every person at BISH.

We pay tribute and thank whole heartedly the people who have moved on:
David Easton - Chairman - moved to the West Country
Mike Frydman - Deputy Warden (WIH) - retired
Judith King - Deputy Warden (AOH) - moved away from Birmingham
Keith Eden Tetley - Handyman (WIH) - retired

And we welcome into our family some exciting new faces to ensure the success of our homes:
Lawrie Rumens - Chairman
Paul Edgerton - General Manager - BISH
Anita Opoku-Boakye - Deputy Warden - Finance and Administration
Vu Thi Ha - Deputy Warden at both houses
Errol and Clive Grant - Handymen

Also this year our Chaplain Gareth Jones moved on, having been a rock for Management, Staff and our residents for 8 years. A tough act to follow, but we are fortunate to have Kara Cooper in his place.

Saddest news of the year has been the long term sickness of our Warden at WIH, Peter Woodhill. His very serious illness was sudden and unexpected and it has become clear that he will not be able to return to work with us. We thank him for all he has done for us and ask that you think of him in your prayers and of his family and friends who will have to care for him.

The challenge ahead is significant with huge investment in modern Accommodation ongoing in Birmingham. However our purpose of caring for "the Stranger in our Midst" makes BISH the place to be.

Lawrie Rumens - Chairman