Tribute to Renewed Hope founder Ian Buckland

Everyone at Renewed Hope would like to pay tribute to one of our founders, Ian Buckland, who has sadly died.

Nearly 15 years ago, Ian was one of the Redhill Street Pastors who saw a need for a winter night shelter during his time at the Salvation Army in the town.

Hope 2540 was born and the night shelter started in the winter of 2011/12. In its first year, it ran for just 6 weeks in a handful of venues, serving homeless people from the Reigate and Banstead Borough to begin with.

Volunteers and guests from the early years will remember him for his gregarious personality, firm but kind and with an unwavering passion for helping homeless people.

He was visionary and without him Renewed Hope and the East Surrey Winter Night Shelter would not exist. You would see him on shift, driving minibuses, training volunteers – anything to keep the shelter running.

Over the years, the shelter grew to run for 15 weeks. It was hosted by 16 churches in 2019/20, supporting people from the Tandridge District as well as Reigate and Banstead Borough. He may have been proud to learn it’s making a return next winter after a three-year break caused by Covid.

Everyone at Renewed Hope wishes his family well and they are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.

He is remembered with affection.

Anna Coe, Project Co-ordinator, Renewed Hope
Sam Ferrar, Chairman of Trustees, Renewed Hope