The chapter roll stands at 26 comprising 16 members, nine life members and one associate member. We had one new application for membership from a student at St Stephen’s House who was admitted at our meeting in Blewbury in June. I am sorry to report that he subsequently resigned. It was necessary to write to some dormant members during the year to ask them to pay their outstanding subscriptions. Some of them chose not to renew their membership and the number of members on the roll has therefore decreased.
We lost three people associated with the chapter in 2009. At the end of May, Harry Lord passed away. Living at Bloxham, Harry did not attend meetings but was a generous supporter of the chapter. In August, Michael White of Eynsham died. Michael did not attend meetings but was a longstanding member of the Guild and was a regular supporter of the coach trips we used to run to National Festivals. In November, Revd John Davis passed away, previously the Vicar of St John’s Church New Hinksey, he was a long time supporter of this chapter and priest associate of the Guild.
The chapter met for worship four times in 2009. On 25th March, the chapter met here 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. 16 members and supporters were present.
On 23rd June, 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 Stephen's House, was admitted to the Guild. 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. 20 members and supporters were present.
On 9th September, 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. After guild office, we sang the St Birinus Hymn written by Canon Afred Barton late of Benson and an old friend to the guild. 16 members and supporters were present.
Our plans to meet in St John’s Church, Kidlington in November were thwarted by a last minute booking clash. So instead, on 24th November, we went to the church of St Thomas the Martyr in Oxford. Revd William Whyte officiated for the Guild Office and Revd John Hunwicke preached and gave Benediction. During Benediction prayers were offered for the departed members and supporters of the chapter. 17 members and supporters were present.
Typically, we continue to attract less than 20 people to our services and that being blessed with the presence of some loyal supporters. We cannot continue to function with any less and we urgently need to consider ways of encouraging greater attendance from our existing members and gaining new members.
I am grateful to the clergy of the Kidlington Team Ministry for leading our worship and preaching during the year; Canon Ellis and Fr William. 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. Thank you to Bro Trevor Langrish our MC and for his invaluable work as our chapter treasurer and to Sr Jenny Dowdeswell, who has served on the chapter committee this year.
Bro Ben Heffer, March 2010
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