November is traditionally the month of remembrance. It commences with All Saints Day and All Souls Day and then we as a Nation formally remember those who have died in war and conflicts past around 11th of the month. We in St Birinus Chapter too take the opportunity that this month offers us to remember those former members and supporters of our chapter who have died.
In your prayers please pray for all the faithful departed, especially those from our chapter. A list of a past members is given here.
+May they rest in peace. Amen.
24th November - St Thomas, Oxford
The chapter met for Guild Office and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in the lovely church of St Thomas the Martyr, Oxford on 24th November.
Revd William Whyte officiated for the Guild Office and Revd John Hunwicke preached and gave Benediction.
Fr John commenced his sermon by welcoming the chapter 'home' in so much that St Thomas's was one of the first parochial churches to experience the catholic revival flowing from the Oxford Movement and was therefore the home for Anglican Catholics. He also explained to us how, at that time, the parish priest accustomed his parishioners to the wearing of vestments by gradually, week by week, showing more of the red silk lining of his academic hood, thus preparing them for the silk red chasuble he subsequently took to wearing for mass.
During Benediction prayers were offered for the departed members and supporters of the chapter.
Our thanks to Fr John, Fr William and all those who served at the altar.
Present: Revd William Whyte, Revd John Hunwicke; Bros. Trevor Langrish, Frank Howlett, Bruce Armour and Ben Heffer; Sr Jenny Dowdeswell and ten supporters.
Apologies: Dennis Dean, Robert Warren, Ken Belcher, Pam Cooper, Amy Cooper, Angela Dean, Barbara Belcher, Cllr Clive Tilling.
Revd William Whyte officiated for the Guild Office and Revd John Hunwicke preached and gave Benediction.
Fr John commenced his sermon by welcoming the chapter 'home' in so much that St Thomas's was one of the first parochial churches to experience the catholic revival flowing from the Oxford Movement and was therefore the home for Anglican Catholics. He also explained to us how, at that time, the parish priest accustomed his parishioners to the wearing of vestments by gradually, week by week, showing more of the red silk lining of his academic hood, thus preparing them for the silk red chasuble he subsequently took to wearing for mass.
During Benediction prayers were offered for the departed members and supporters of the chapter.
Our thanks to Fr John, Fr William and all those who served at the altar.
Present: Revd William Whyte, Revd John Hunwicke; Bros. Trevor Langrish, Frank Howlett, Bruce Armour and Ben Heffer; Sr Jenny Dowdeswell and ten supporters.
Apologies: Dennis Dean, Robert Warren, Ken Belcher, Pam Cooper, Amy Cooper, Angela Dean, Barbara Belcher, Cllr Clive Tilling.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Amy Cooper, who was confirmed by Bishop John at St John's Church, Kidlington on Sunday. Amy is an altar server at St Mary's Kidlington and regualarly helps us at GSS meetings. All our best wishes go to her and the others who were confirmed.
Revd John Davis
The chapter records with sadness the passing of Revd John Davis, who died on 24th October.
Fr John was for many years a priest associate of the GSS and a member of this chapter. Many of our members recall with fondness our regular visits to the church of St John the Evangelist, New Hinksey, where he was the vicar prior to his retirement. He always made us so welcome and invariably treated us to refreshments in his 'arts and crafts' vicarage after our worship. Fr John taught Old Testament at St Stephen's House, Oxford and in his retirement lived in Headington Quarry and ministered to the people of All Saints, Highfield.
+May he rest in peace. Amen.
Fr John was for many years a priest associate of the GSS and a member of this chapter. Many of our members recall with fondness our regular visits to the church of St John the Evangelist, New Hinksey, where he was the vicar prior to his retirement. He always made us so welcome and invariably treated us to refreshments in his 'arts and crafts' vicarage after our worship. Fr John taught Old Testament at St Stephen's House, Oxford and in his retirement lived in Headington Quarry and ministered to the people of All Saints, Highfield.
+May he rest in peace. Amen.
St Therese of Lisieux
The relics of St Therese, the Little Flower, visit Oxford on 7th October 2009. Details of the visit may be found here http://www.oxfordoratory.org.uk/
9th September - Hampton Poyle
It was a joy to meet in St Mary’s Church, Hampton Poyle once again. We celebrated the chapter’s feast of title, St Birinus, with Guild Office and sermon given by Revd Canon Anthony Ellis. In his address Canon Ellis spoke about Charles Lowder, whose memorial is celebrated in calendar on 9th September. Ministering in different ages, both Birinus and Fr Lowder were missionaries; Birinus brought Christianity to the West Saxons in the first century. In contrast, Fr Lowder was one of the pioneering slum priests of the Victorian age that brought the catholic faith to the unchurched masses of the East End of London, a true hero of the Anglo Catholic Movement.
After guild office we sang the St Birinus Hymn written by Canon Afred Barton late of Benson and an old friend to the guild.
Our thanks to the people of Hampton Poyle for allowing us to meet at St Mary’s and to Canon Ellis for leading our worship at short notice.
Present: Bros. Ben Heffer, Kim Clowsley, Ken Belcher, Bruce Amour, Robert Warren; Srs. Jenny Dowdeswell, Susan Greenaway, Canon Ellis, and eight supporters.
Apologies: Revds Jim Turner, William Whyte, Jason St John Nicolle; Pam Cooper, Amy Cooper, Naomi Heffer, Trevor Langrish, Dennis Dean and Angela Dean.
After guild office we sang the St Birinus Hymn written by Canon Afred Barton late of Benson and an old friend to the guild.
Our thanks to the people of Hampton Poyle for allowing us to meet at St Mary’s and to Canon Ellis for leading our worship at short notice.
Present: Bros. Ben Heffer, Kim Clowsley, Ken Belcher, Bruce Amour, Robert Warren; Srs. Jenny Dowdeswell, Susan Greenaway, Canon Ellis, and eight supporters.
Apologies: Revds Jim Turner, William Whyte, Jason St John Nicolle; Pam Cooper, Amy Cooper, Naomi Heffer, Trevor Langrish, Dennis Dean and Angela Dean.
Michael White
We are sorry to record the passing of Bro. Michael White of Eynsham who died on 18th August aged 76. Michael had been a member of St Birinus Chapter since 1978. He did not often attend chapter meetings but regularly joined us on our coach trips to Glastonbury and the National Festivals, which he really enjoyed. Michael's funeral was held at St Leonard's Church, Eynsham on 28th August. Our sympathy goes to his widow Shirley with our prayers for her and the family at this sad time. May Michael and all the faithful departed + rest in peace and rise in glory.
23rd June - Blewbury
The chapter met to celebrate the Eve of the Birth of St John the Baptist in St Michael's Church, Blewbury by kind invitation of the Rector, Revd Jason St John Nicolle.
Before Guild Office, Michael Baily, an ordinand at St Setphen's House, was admitted to the Guild. It is a pleasure to welcome him to the chapter and we extend our best wishes to him for his forthcoming placement in Plymouth and his future ministry.
Our thanks to Revd William Whyte for officiating and leading our worship and to Revd Jason Nicolle for preaching and making us welcome at Blewbury. In his sermon Fr Jason took the Eve of St John the Baptist's day as an opportunity to talk about saints associated with the church in Blewbury including some more recent local 'saints' of note!
Afterwards, Fr Jason gave us an informal guide to the historic church of St Michael.
Present: Brs Ben Heffer, Trevor Langrish, Dennis Dean, Ken Belcher, Kim Clowsley, Bruce Armour, Michael Baily; Srs Susan Greenaway, Jenny Dowdeswell, Angela Dean; Cllr Clive Tilling; Frs Jason St John Nicolle, William Whyte; and 7 Supporters.
Apologies: Pam Cooper, Amy Cooper, Naomi Heffer.
Before Guild Office, Michael Baily, an ordinand at St Setphen's House, was admitted to the Guild. It is a pleasure to welcome him to the chapter and we extend our best wishes to him for his forthcoming placement in Plymouth and his future ministry.
Our thanks to Revd William Whyte for officiating and leading our worship and to Revd Jason Nicolle for preaching and making us welcome at Blewbury. In his sermon Fr Jason took the Eve of St John the Baptist's day as an opportunity to talk about saints associated with the church in Blewbury including some more recent local 'saints' of note!
Afterwards, Fr Jason gave us an informal guide to the historic church of St Michael.
Present: Brs Ben Heffer, Trevor Langrish, Dennis Dean, Ken Belcher, Kim Clowsley, Bruce Armour, Michael Baily; Srs Susan Greenaway, Jenny Dowdeswell, Angela Dean; Cllr Clive Tilling; Frs Jason St John Nicolle, William Whyte; and 7 Supporters.
Apologies: Pam Cooper, Amy Cooper, Naomi Heffer.
Harry Lord
We are sad to report that one of our life members, Harry Lord of Bodicote, died at the end of May. Harry transferred to our chapter in January 1997 from the chapter of St Melitus & Our Lady of Walsingham, Willesdon when he moved into the area. He died peacefully on 27th May aged 84 in the Horton Hospital, Banbury, after a short illness. His funeral service was held on 9th June at Bodicote Parish Church. Harry was a generous supporter of our chapter although his was unable to get to meetings.
May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Minutes of the AGM 2009
Minutes of AGM of GSS – Chapter of St Birinus held on 25th March 2009 at the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Kidlington.
Present: Bros. Trevor Langrish, Bruce Armour, Ben Heffer (chair), Ken Belcher, Dennis Dean; Srs. Jenny Dowdeswell, Angela Dean; Cllr. Clive Tilling; Supporters Pam Cooper, Mrs Armour, Robert Warren, Rona Warren, Barbara Belcher; Revd Canon Anthony Ellis.
1. Opening Prayer – Fr Anthony opened the meeting with prayer.
2. Apologies for Absence – apologies were received from Sr Susan Greenaway, Amy Cooper, Revd Dennis Mason.
3. Minutes of the AGM 2008 – the minutes of the meeting held on 5th March 2008 were read and approved.
4. Matters Arising – there were no matters arising.
5. Secretary’s Report – Bro Ben Heffer presented the Secretary’s Report.
6. Treasurer’s Report – Bro Trevor presented the audited accounts and Treasurer's Report, which were approved and accepted.
7. Election of Chapter Officers – There being no other nominations, Bros Ben Heffer and Trevor Langrish were re-elected as Secretary and Treasurer respectively. Sr Jenny Dowdeswell offered to serve on the chapter committee and the meeting unanimously approved her election.
8. Chapter Programme 2009 – Bro Ben reported that no meetings had been arranged as yet. Fr Jason St John Nicolle has written inviting the chapter to visit one of his churches in the Churn Benefice. The meeting agreed that this would be a good thing to do during the summer months. The meeting agreed that otherwise we should continue to meet in Kidlington and Hampton Poyle; the chapter committee would consider the programme at its next meeting.
9. Any Other Business – It was agreed to have a publicity campaign again this year.
10. Closing Prayer – Bro Ben closed the meeting with prayer.
Present: Bros. Trevor Langrish, Bruce Armour, Ben Heffer (chair), Ken Belcher, Dennis Dean; Srs. Jenny Dowdeswell, Angela Dean; Cllr. Clive Tilling; Supporters Pam Cooper, Mrs Armour, Robert Warren, Rona Warren, Barbara Belcher; Revd Canon Anthony Ellis.
1. Opening Prayer – Fr Anthony opened the meeting with prayer.
2. Apologies for Absence – apologies were received from Sr Susan Greenaway, Amy Cooper, Revd Dennis Mason.
3. Minutes of the AGM 2008 – the minutes of the meeting held on 5th March 2008 were read and approved.
4. Matters Arising – there were no matters arising.
5. Secretary’s Report – Bro Ben Heffer presented the Secretary’s Report.
6. Treasurer’s Report – Bro Trevor presented the audited accounts and Treasurer's Report, which were approved and accepted.
7. Election of Chapter Officers – There being no other nominations, Bros Ben Heffer and Trevor Langrish were re-elected as Secretary and Treasurer respectively. Sr Jenny Dowdeswell offered to serve on the chapter committee and the meeting unanimously approved her election.
8. Chapter Programme 2009 – Bro Ben reported that no meetings had been arranged as yet. Fr Jason St John Nicolle has written inviting the chapter to visit one of his churches in the Churn Benefice. The meeting agreed that this would be a good thing to do during the summer months. The meeting agreed that otherwise we should continue to meet in Kidlington and Hampton Poyle; the chapter committee would consider the programme at its next meeting.
9. Any Other Business – It was agreed to have a publicity campaign again this year.
10. Closing Prayer – Bro Ben closed the meeting with prayer.
Secretary's Report 2009
The chapter roll remains at 30 comprising 19 members, 10 life members and 1 associate member; this is unchanged since last year. Although there has been a new application for membership in 2008/9, from a student at St Stephen’s House, I have not as yet been able to make contact with him to arrange his initiation.
In accordance with a resolution passed at a previous AGM, we met four times in 2008.
First, in March 2008, the chapter sung the Guild Office [here] in St Mary's Church, Kidlington followed by the Litany. We are grateful to Revd Canon Anthony Ellis for officiating and welcoming us to St Mary's. After the service, the Annual General Meeting of the chapter 2008 was convened. 17 members and supporters were in attendance.
In July we met in St Mary’s Church, Hampton Poyle for Guild Office, Sermon & Te Deum on the occasion of the 175th Anniversary of the Oxford Movement. We are grateful to Revd Jim Turner for welcoming us on that occasion and for officiating and preaching. During the service, prayer was offered in thanksgiving for the catholic revival in the Church of England in common with numerous other events around the country on that day. 14 members and supporters were present.
In September, the chapter celebrated its feast of title with Guild Office, Procession and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament again in St Mary's Church, Kidlington. Our thanks to Canon Ellis for leading our worship and preaching. 17 people attended.
On the evening of Sunday, 16th November we met to sing the Guild Office and offer prayers for the departed members of the chapter in St John’s Church, Kidlington. The service commenced with a recitation of the Angelus. We are grateful to Revd William Whyte who led the worship and preached. 16 members and supporters attended.
It has to be noted that we now attract less than 20 people to our services all told. This is a somewhat precarious position to be in and places a question mark over our viability. Please pray that God will guide us in our ministry and prosper our society in the year ahead.
I am grateful to the clergy of the Kidlington Team Ministry for leading our worship and preaching during the year; Canon Ellis, Fr Jim Turner and Fr William Whyte. Since we have no chaplain currently, their support is very much appreciated.
Thank you to all who support our services especially Prof David Murray, who plays the organ so well for us and to Bro Trevor Langrish our MC and for his invaluable work as our chapter treasurer.
Bro Ben Heffer, March 2009
In accordance with a resolution passed at a previous AGM, we met four times in 2008.
First, in March 2008, the chapter sung the Guild Office [here] in St Mary's Church, Kidlington followed by the Litany. We are grateful to Revd Canon Anthony Ellis for officiating and welcoming us to St Mary's. After the service, the Annual General Meeting of the chapter 2008 was convened. 17 members and supporters were in attendance.
In July we met in St Mary’s Church, Hampton Poyle for Guild Office, Sermon & Te Deum on the occasion of the 175th Anniversary of the Oxford Movement. We are grateful to Revd Jim Turner for welcoming us on that occasion and for officiating and preaching. During the service, prayer was offered in thanksgiving for the catholic revival in the Church of England in common with numerous other events around the country on that day. 14 members and supporters were present.
In September, the chapter celebrated its feast of title with Guild Office, Procession and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament again in St Mary's Church, Kidlington. Our thanks to Canon Ellis for leading our worship and preaching. 17 people attended.
On the evening of Sunday, 16th November we met to sing the Guild Office and offer prayers for the departed members of the chapter in St John’s Church, Kidlington. The service commenced with a recitation of the Angelus. We are grateful to Revd William Whyte who led the worship and preached. 16 members and supporters attended.
It has to be noted that we now attract less than 20 people to our services all told. This is a somewhat precarious position to be in and places a question mark over our viability. Please pray that God will guide us in our ministry and prosper our society in the year ahead.
I am grateful to the clergy of the Kidlington Team Ministry for leading our worship and preaching during the year; Canon Ellis, Fr Jim Turner and Fr William Whyte. Since we have no chaplain currently, their support is very much appreciated.
Thank you to all who support our services especially Prof David Murray, who plays the organ so well for us and to Bro Trevor Langrish our MC and for his invaluable work as our chapter treasurer.
Bro Ben Heffer, March 2009
Treasurer's Report 2009
In 2008, very little happened with the chapter’s finances, which are still healthy - income was £96.49 (£22.25 down on that for 2007). This is because we had one meeting less than in 2007. Expenditure was £166.28 (£140.08 up on that for 2007). This increase is accounted for payment of Secretary’s expenses for 2007 and 2008. The deposit account remains untouched and is accumulating interest - the balance on it is currently £1,149.24. This leads to our total assets for the end of 2008 being £1,381.90.
I still enjoy being Chapter Treasurer and am willing to continue. Membership subscriptions and magazine subscriptions are being collected centrally by Direct Debit and should preferably not be paid to me, though I can pass on payment form members who would rather not use direct debit. However, I would gratefully receive any chapter donations.
Finally, I would like to thank Brother Ben Heffer for all his hard work as Chapter secretary. I would also like to thank, in his absence, Father Dennis Mason for auditing the accounts for 2008, thereby checking that I am doing business correctly.
Receipts
Chapter donations £10.00
Membership subscriptions £25.00
Lloyds TSB Bank interest £5.79
Sub total A £40.79
Collections:
Mar. – St Mary’s, Kidlington £14.20
Sep. – St Mary’s Kidlington £16.50
Nov. – St John’s Kidlington £25.00
Sub total B £55.70
Total income (A + B) £96.49
Balance from 31 December 2007 £1,459.03
£1,555.52
Expenditure
Membership subscriptions £25.00
Secretary’s expenses 2007 and 2008:
Postage £86.09
Refreshments £44.23
Stationery £10.96
Total expenditure £166.28
2007 cheque late in presentation £5.00
Assets
Assets TSB cheque account £240.00
Deposit account(end of 2008) £1,149.24
Less cheque to be presented £5.00
£1,555.52
I still enjoy being Chapter Treasurer and am willing to continue. Membership subscriptions and magazine subscriptions are being collected centrally by Direct Debit and should preferably not be paid to me, though I can pass on payment form members who would rather not use direct debit. However, I would gratefully receive any chapter donations.
Finally, I would like to thank Brother Ben Heffer for all his hard work as Chapter secretary. I would also like to thank, in his absence, Father Dennis Mason for auditing the accounts for 2008, thereby checking that I am doing business correctly.
Receipts
Chapter donations £10.00
Membership subscriptions £25.00
Lloyds TSB Bank interest £5.79
Sub total A £40.79
Collections:
Mar. – St Mary’s, Kidlington £14.20
Sep. – St Mary’s Kidlington £16.50
Nov. – St John’s Kidlington £25.00
Sub total B £55.70
Total income (A + B) £96.49
Balance from 31 December 2007 £1,459.03
£1,555.52
Expenditure
Membership subscriptions £25.00
Secretary’s expenses 2007 and 2008:
Postage £86.09
Refreshments £44.23
Stationery £10.96
Total expenditure £166.28
2007 cheque late in presentation £5.00
Assets
Assets TSB cheque account £240.00
Deposit account(end of 2008) £1,149.24
Less cheque to be presented £5.00
£1,555.52
25th March - Kidlington
The chapter met in St Mary's Church, Kidlington to celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation with Guild Office & Benediction. The Rector of Kidlington, Revd Canon Anthony Ellis, officiated and preached. Our thanks to him for welcoming us to St Mary's and leading our worship. Afterwards the chapter AGM was held in the Refectory.
Present: Bros. Trevor Langrish, Bruce Armour, Ben Heffer (chair), Ken Belcher, Dennis Dean; Srs. Jenny Dowdeswell, Angela Dean; Cllr. Clive Tilling; Supporters Pam Cooper, Mrs Armour, Robert Warren, Rona Warren, Barbara Belcher, Sebastian Heffer, David Murray; Revd Canon Anthony Ellis.
Apologies: Sr Susan Greenaway, Amy Cooper, Revd Dennis Mason.
Present: Bros. Trevor Langrish, Bruce Armour, Ben Heffer (chair), Ken Belcher, Dennis Dean; Srs. Jenny Dowdeswell, Angela Dean; Cllr. Clive Tilling; Supporters Pam Cooper, Mrs Armour, Robert Warren, Rona Warren, Barbara Belcher, Sebastian Heffer, David Murray; Revd Canon Anthony Ellis.
Apologies: Sr Susan Greenaway, Amy Cooper, Revd Dennis Mason.
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