The Pilgrimage Management Committee (PMC)

The Trustees appoint Pilgrimage Officers (the heads of the different service sections including doctors, nurses, handmaids, youth group etc). The Pilgrimage Officers, together with the Diocesan Directors, make up the Pilgrimage Management Committee (PMC). Trustees are permitted to attend meetings of the PMC but, apart from two or three who have specific functions there, it is generally thought that the PMC should be allowed to manage itself. There is some overlap of membership and responsibilities between the Trustees, the PMC, and the Hospitalité Council. The PMC is responsible for the actual organisation and practicalities of the annual Lourdes pilgrimage. As at January 2008, the membership of the PMC consists of:

• Rt Rev. Paul Hendricks, Auxillary Bishop of Southwark (Chairman)
• Rev Bill Saunders (Pilgrimage Director)
• Mr Steve Gill (Treasurer)
• Mr Chris Thorpe (Secretary)
• Dr Trevor Fernandes (Chief Medical Officer)
• Mrs Frances Presgraves (Chief Nurse)
• Mr Rupert Bell (Chief Brancardier)
• Dr Sadie Vile (Chief Handmaid)
• Ms Tina Walker (Young Helpers’ Group Leader)
• Rev Simon Blakesley (Chaplain to the Assisted Pilgrims)
• Rev James Walsh (Director of Music)
• Mr Mike Carter (‘Accueil pilgrims’ bookings)
• Mrs Joanna Fernandes (Glanfield Children’s Group)
• Mrs Colette Sharrock (President, CA Hospitalite)
• A Director or Co-ordinator from each of the Diocesan Groups

For a full list click here.