The group was formed when the Local Development Workers of two adjoining regions in Northern England suggested that the Area Meetings in both regions might be interested in exploring the possibilities of working more closely together and "Crossing Boundaries" It was left very open as to what form this may take. Several Area Meetings in both regions had been working with the Local Development workers to explore solutions for shared challenges in finding Friends to take on roles and responsibilities in the Area Meeting. One thing to consider was what could be learnt from the experience of other areas who were also exploring closer links between adjoining Area Meetings. These varied from a full merger to form one new larger Area meeting to the creation of a new charity to manage the finances and property and the retention of distinct existing Area Meetings below that. All possible options in between do nothing and full merger were possible.
We are now at an exciting stage where a group of the initial Area Meetings have nominated Friends to take forward the proposals outlined on the current options page. This group will meet about every 6 weeks both by Zoom and in person.
The group, together with the local development workers and BYM staff and consultants, will:
We will also share and learn from activity in other parts of the country that is similar to the Crossing Boundaries process where this has been started.