An Interview with Peter Bradley: Vision, Community, and Leadership at Minsteracres Retreat Centre

We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Peter Bradley, the new General Manager at Minsteracres Retreat Centre, to discuss his vision for the centre, his extensive experience in the charity and education sectors, and his passion for creating a peaceful space for people to reflect, grow, and find spiritual strength. With a strong commitment to the community and a deep respect for the natural beauty of Minsteracres, Peter shared his insights on how he plans to balance the rich spiritual heritage of the retreat with the modern needs of visitors.

Read on to learn more about Peter’s journey, his vision for the future of Minsteracres, and some personal stories that shed light on his leadership style and connection with nature.

1. What attracted you to the role of General Manager at Minsteracres?

At first I was attracted to the purpose of Minsteracres Retreat Centre. There has never been a more important time than now for people to experience the peace and beauty of Minsteracres. For people to find time to stop, reflect and find strength spiritually and mentally, is important and this is why Minsteracres Retreat Centre appealed to me. As General Manager, I hope to support staff and volunteers to be happy in their work and for their roles to contribute to the development of the Retreat Centre and beautiful grounds which enable dynamic work.

2. Can you share a bit about your professional background and how it prepares you for this position?

My professional background is based within education and charities. For over 30 years I have worked with communities based predominantly in the United Kingdom with some experience in International Development. Prior to starting at the Minsteracres Retreat Centre I was the Chief Executive at Safe Child Thailand and before that, Director of Services at the charity Kidscape.

I was the Managing Director at a mental health helpline called Youth2Youth and for over 15 years managed volunteers to staff the helpline and develop the first nationally run peer helpline for young people, called Youth2Youth. My work has focused on helping people living on the margins of society and this is where my own values align with the work of the Passionists.

3. What is your vision for Minsteracres over the next five years?

I want to increase the number of people who can visit Minsteracres. Minsteracres Retreat Centre is a place for all faiths and none. I want people to be able to come here to explore the silence, explore inner peace, and to explore spirituality. I want our work to be meaningful to a new generation of young people.

Over the next five years, I want people to be more aware of the work that happens here and how the beautiful landscape can inspire both individuals and families to develop and strengthen themselves.

4. How do you plan to balance the spiritual heritage of Minsteracres with modern operational needs?

Minsteracres encompasses spirituality in relationships with God, the environment, and individual needs. I believe we need to be mindful that people are individuals and subsequently have their own needs when it comes to finding peace, stillness, and healing. Many people are searching for a meaning in life, searching for an understanding of a spiritual world, and searching for acceptance allowing them to be confident and to grow.

We must find a balance between our heritage and a fast-paced, online society that puts huge pressure on people’s lives. It is important that we look forward, not backward, to meet the spiritual needs of a new generation.

5. What has been your biggest surprise since taking on this role?

My biggest surprise is how every morning, when I drive through the avenue of Californian giant redwoods I get a feeling of tranquillity. I see natural beauty and think positively and creatively. I never fail to be inspired by the strength of the 200-year-old trees. 

And the drive through the trees can be surprising. Last week I stopped to let a deer run by and three days ago a peacock and hedgehog crossed my path. I’m very aware that we’re sharing Minsteracres with a family of animals, and other furry friends; Minsteracres is home to many.

6. Can you describe a typical day in your life as General Manager?

I arrive at the office around 8:00 in the morning. I like an early start. I then start a series of meetings which seem to expand unplanned as the day goes on. I spend time with staff and the community, planning and welcoming retreatants. I also try to talk with the incredible volunteers who are the backbone of Minsteracres. Undoubtedly, there will be practical challenges that need to be overcome, and before I know it, it’s the end of a long but productive day, and time to head home.

7. What’s your favorite spot on the Minsteracres grounds, and why?

It would have to be the avenue of giant redwoods. They are inspiring and the least thing that you would expect to find in Northumberland.

8. How do you see Minsteracres' role in the local community evolving under your leadership?

Bringing people together from within the parish is going to be central to looking at the vision of Minsteracres and to consider the way we develop our mission. I’m very aware of the important role that parishioners play in the development of Minsteracres Retreat Centre. 

St. Elizabeth’s and the retreat centre share common goals. The glue that holds everything together is the Passionist Community. Being guided by the wisdom of the Passionists will be important over the coming months and years.

9. What book or person has had the greatest influence on your leadership style?

Many years ago, I volunteered with the YMCA. The leader was very inspiring and creative/eccentric in the way that he connected with the community and ran projects. For example, every year there would be a Summer Gala. The way he promoted the Summer Gala was to assemble a publicity team. I found myself part of the team. The creative approach he promoted has always stayed with me. 

As part of the promotion squad, we would board the minibus armed with posters, a bucket of paste, and a brush. We would then drive around a bus route and when the bus stopped at a Bus Stop we would jump out, run to the rear of the bus and paste posters promoting the Gala on the back of the bus. It was great fun, creative, and was great at ensuring everyone knew about the future Gala. Of course, these days we cannot do the same, health and safety being just one concern, but the leader’s enthusiasm, creativity, and out-of-the-box thinking has always inspired me in my work.

10. If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?

An adventurer, because I’ve always been connected with the mountains in some kind of way. I’m a skier, I’m a mountaineer. I’ve travelled the world from above the Arctic Circle down to the Antarctic waters flowing to Tasmania. 

So, my historical figure would be an adventurer, someone like Scott of the Antarctic. I would like to understand his drive, passion, and where his sense of adventure came from.

11. What’s a fun fact about yourself that might surprise others?

I have spent many hours with a 7 ft. yellow bear called Pudsey. And that’s because for the last 12 years, I’ve volunteered with BBC Children in Need. I accompany Pudsey and guests to make appeal films contributing to raising millions of pounds for disadvantaged children.

12. How do you unwind after a busy day?

I just need to be able to see a field or a tree – anything green in the countryside. I just need to go for a walk. It took me years to realize that at moments of stress, I would always head to the fells or to the mountains. Just to be able to see the beauty of a landscape helps me to relax.

13. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?

To be a good listener. Actively listening enables us to reflect and understand the world of others. Whether it’s for an individual or for an organization, we must communicate clearly without rushing. Listen, reflect, and take time before responding.

14. If you could instantly acquire a new skill to help your role, what would it be?

I need to learn new skills for using the fast-changing world of social media. I’m aware that as I get older, keeping up to date with social media is challenging. I am very aware that social media influences young people tremendously. So I think having improved skills myself or having people around me who’ve got those skills is really important.

15. If you could master any hobby instantly, what would it be?

I’d like to be able to turn wood on a lathe. It would be a new hobby that I’ve always had at the back of my mind – one day when I have time.

16. What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Oh, I’ve undertaken many big adventures. I’ve climbed mountains in Tasmania, I’ve skied mountains in the Alps. I’ve climbed many mountains from Colorado, USA to the Jundu Mountains in China. So, I am an adventurer in that exploration sense. However, my biggest adventure is probably not the physical ones but those based on the metaphor – life itself. Spiritual adventures, new experiences, meeting people.

17. Do you have a favorite quote or motto that guides you?

“We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”
Martin Luther King Jr.

18. What’s your go-to comfort food?

I love chocolate – far too much.

19. If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?

I have always wanted to explore Myanmar. Following my recent work in Thailand and working with Burmese migrants I have heard many stories and been told about beautiful places in Myanmar. Sadly, currently the country is in a state of conflict and travel is too dangerous. One day I hope to explore some of the beautiful islands and trek challenging mountains.

 

20. What’s the last book you read that really impacted you?

Daniel Goleman’s 1995 book, Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ, emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence (EI) in personal and professional success.

21. Do you have any hidden talents that your colleagues might not know about?

I’m a good slalom skier.

Minsteracres Retreat Centre is a Christian place of prayer

Welcoming Peter Bradley: A New Chapter for Minsteracres

We are incredibly excited to have Peter Bradley as the new General Manager at Minsteracres Retreat Centre. His wealth of experience, passion for helping others, and strong commitment to both community and spiritual growth align perfectly with the values we hold dear. Peter’s vision for the future of Minsteracres is inspiring, and we look forward to seeing how his leadership will help the retreat centre continue to thrive.

We warmly welcome Peter to the Minsteracres family and are eager to work alongside him as we journey together towards creating a peaceful, reflective, and spiritually enriching space for all.

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We are a Christian place of prayer with a resident community of Roman Catholic Passionist priests, nuns and lay people. The presence of the community gives the centre a homely atmosphere and provides a spirit of prayer and hospitality. 

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Tel: 01434 673 248
Minsteracres Retreat Centre
Nr Consett
County Durham
DH8 9RT

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