The Bahá'í Faith in Southam

Up until 2001 the Bahá'ís in Southam were part of the community of the whole district of Stratford-on-Avon. However, at that time the Bahá'ís nationally decided to subdivide into smaller, more local, units and Southam became a separate unit. For information on the Stratford community click here.

In 1998 there was only one Bahá'í family in Southam - Paddy and Ann Vickers and their daughter Helena. After her ‘A’ Levels Helena went to South Africa for a Bahá’í Youth Year of Service. This is when young Bahá'ís take a year out to go and help, usually in another country. For a while Helena lived in a black township, sometimes she lived with a white family, always trying to show the Bahá'í belief that everyone is equal and that people can live together in unity.

When Helena came back from South Africa, she went to talk to various classes at her old school in Southam about her experiences in South Africa and about her faith. She organised weekly dance classes and then, with the help of other Bahá'ís, an Activity week for children and youth in Southam. This involved dance, drama, art and song. At the end of the week they did a performance for their parents and friends.

From this, the community began to grow and a community of all ages developed.

Helena is now married and living in Birmingham. Up until she had her first child she worked for the Baha'is organising children's classes and youth groups at a national level. She also assisted with the youth group at Southam College.

Over the last few years and for various reasons, several people have had to move away from Southam, so the community is no longer as large as it was. However, it is still lively!