About Us
Crossing Cultures, Building Belonging
For over 40 years, Bishop Ho Ming Wah Association and Community Centre has served as a beacon of hope and guidance for Chinese immigrants settling in London. From our earliest days, we have provided a trusted place of welcome, offering practical support and compassionate care to those navigating the complex challenges of migration and integration.
Today, we foster a caring and supportive community that enhances social integration whilst promoting mental health and wellbeing. Our programmes engage over 200 regular participants and numerous guests, creating spaces where continuity meets openness, and where everyone can find belonging.
Our Story
a seed of compassion
In 1964, Bishop Hall visited London’s Chinatown and saw the needs of newly arrived migrants from Hong Kong’s New Territories working long hours in cafés and laundries, isolated by language and circumstance. He invited Pastor Lee Siu Ying to London and, with the Bishop of London’s support, founded a Chinese congregation at St Martin-in-the-Fields. The congregation soon flourished, and so too did its social mission.
1977 Pastor Lee and church members began fundraising for a dedicated social centre for both friendship and practical support.
1984 founding of the Bishop Ho Ming Wah Association, an independent charity named in tribute to Bishop Hall’s understanding heart.
1987 Chinese Centre opened in St Martin’s crypt, providing advice, companionship, and a welcoming space for London’s Chinese community.
2008 the Centre opened in the lower crypt upon completion of the renewal of St Martin’s
2011 a new name, Bishop Ho Ming Wah Association and Community Centre, to reflect its enduring values of care, dignity and inclusion.
Bishop Ronald Owen Hall (1895–1975) served as Bishop of Hong Kong and Macau from 1932 to 1966 and was affectionately known as
Ho Ming Wah (何明華) – meaning
“Hall who understands the Chinese”. From his compassion for
London’s Chinese immigrants
grew a living legacy.
Carrying the light forward
Today’s Bishop Ho Ming Wah Association and Community Centre is a place where
newcomers and long-settled Londoners alike can find friendship, purpose, and belonging
in the heart of the city, living proof of what compassion can achieve. In 2024-25:
Activities for all
more than 4,000 people joined our wide range of activities, including calligraphy and watercolour classes, line-dancing, drumming, health talks; Tai Chi and yoga, each one weaving a new thread into our shared fabric of belonging.
Colours of belonging
we organised events where we explored London’s hidden pockets of nature, crafted fabric squares with plant-dyed yarns, and donated them to a charity for a remembrance initiative – symbolling how small acts of kindness connect communities.
Stronger together
numerous volunteers, staff, and supporters have been driving our mission, turning plans into action - such as a brain health workshop with over 200 attendees and a new befriending programme for those facing loneliness.
Who we are
Council Members
Alice Chan
Robert Demming
Eugene Ling
Daniel Tavender
Revd Dr Sam Wells
Gloria Wong
Patron
The Most Rev. Dr. Paul Kwong
Emeritus Archbishop of
Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui
The Team
Chair
Alice Chan
Community Development Worker
Benjamin Sin
Community Coordinator
Asa Choi
Safeguarding Officer
Godwin To
Ruly Tsang
Honorary Legal Advisor
Simon Wethered