The UK Oil & Gas Chaplaincy

Since taking up the role as chaplain in mid October it has been incredible to meet people from across the industry to share what the chaplaincy is and how it can assist people.

It was a real joy to travel offshore for the first time, and I'm grateful to Harbour Energy for facilitating a visit to the Judy platform. It was great to see their hard work and effort and to introduce myself to the offshore workforce.

Next April will mark the 15th anniversary of flight 85n which saw the deaths of 16 people returning from the Miller oilfield. The memorial in Johnstone Gardens has suffered from poor drainage in recent years, but thanks to the hard work and campaigning of our administrator Lynne, and a member of our hardship committee Jim, the area surrounding the memorial has been landscaped to ensure the memorial remains accessible for families, colleagues and friends in the coming years. We are grateful to bp and to Aberdeen City Council for their donations and engagement on this project.

A recording of the annual service of remembrance for those who have died offshore is now available. It can be viewed by clicking the link here:

https://vimeo.com/881382260?share=copy

Tomorrow, Saturday 4th November, in the Kirk of St. Nicolas at 1100 we will remember all those who have lost their lives offshore, and particularly those who have died in the last year. The service will be recorded and a link will be made available shortly afterwards.

I write this on my last full day in the office following 11yrs as Oil and Gas Chaplain. I have met so many wonderful people who have made it seem more like 4-5yrs. I am also conscious that I was the ‘public face’ of chaplaincy when speaking at events and commemorations. However the Chaplaincy is a team, a team of two. I could not have operated as Chaplain without Lynne. While I may have appeared in photos or was the one standing at the front during events it was Lynne who did all the arranging, all the organising. So I thank you Lynne for all that you have done, for me and for the those we have done our utmost to support during the last 11years. Thank you. Gordon

Last week I returned from Shell's Nelson platform for what should be my last offshore trip before retirement. A very friendly installation. The Deck Crew held me back to give me a window seat in the helicopter and after departing we flew a low circuit round the platform while the guys below waved me off from the helideck. A lovely send off. Thanks to all onboard.