When Stefan Ball first joined the Team at the Bach Centre 28 years ago, many of you will have got to know him, either personally or by corresponding with him. Perhaps best known to practitioners, students and trainers but also to those who have read his books or have been a participant on one of our early courses at the Bach Centre when we taught them in class together, and I’m sure those who have contacted him for any other reason will want to wish him well with his future plans when he retires on Friday, 11th October.
I have known Stefan for almost 40 years, ever since he met my very good friend Chris. Chris and I completed our nursing together in 1980 and a few years later Chris and Stefan were married. In 1991 Chris and I started running the courses here at the Bach Centre; one-day seminars initially, and then a three-day practitioner course for those who asked for further training. In 1995 Chris and I both gave birth to our respective babies: Chris to her second daughter, and me to my twins, Sam and Fay. When our children were still in their first year of life, my father suggested that we ask Stefan if he would like to join us at the Bach Centre. My father had obviously recognised his pragmatic and responsible work ethic, and he trusted his instincts, believing that he would be a good and honest person to join the Team.
When Stefan joined us in 1996, it was not long before he became responsible for the full administration of the education programme and immersed himself wholeheartedly in all aspects of Bach’s work. We taught the courses together at that time, and gradually the course structure as we know it today evolved. We had the support of a core group of trainers who we trusted to carry forward Dr. Bach’s message, and those trainers still teach our courses at Mount Vernon today.
During his time at the Bach Centre, Stefan constructed our very first website and has has written or co-written several books, most notably The Bach Flower Remedies Workbook, Bach Flower Remedies for Men, and Bloom. He also developed the Distance Learning Programme and has been responsible for and helped with so much more. Those who have been acquainted with him by email or otherwise will know what I mean when I commend him for his thorough and diligent consideration to whatever query came his way.
I am sure I echo the thoughts of many of you in not only thanking Stefan for his clear mind and the steadfast and dedicated way in which he has supported practitioners and trainers and so many others around the world, but for his clear headedness and integrity when it came to ensuring that Bach’s message was adhered to absolutely.
Personally, I thank him for all the above, and for his strength of character in defending Bach’s principles of simplicity and completeness. His absolute loyalty to Bach’s work has been unquestionable and I am immensely grateful to have had him beside me over the last 28 years.
He was, without a shadow of doubt, the right man for the job, and we will miss his presence and clear mindedness for many years to come.
Enjoy your retirement Stef – and don’t forget, there’s an excellent cup of coffee waiting for you here whenever you need it!
Judy Ramsell Howard