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