Newsletter 41: April 2002
Dear
Pelicans
Bishop's Waltham
Reunion Pentecost May 17-19ÊÊ
(Click here to view photos appended below)
The sad news was that Kate Wilkie, wife of Tom, of the Brent
Villa B&B was back in Soton General for another operation after we'd
heard such good reports of her progress. God bless you, Kate, and make you
well soon.
I had apologies from Andy Coyle (running a gaol in Jericho); Bernard
Melling (brassic after his trip to NZ); Vinny Callaghan and Pat
Tierney (a journey too long); Chris Benton (daughter
getting married); Maurice Billingsley (travel problems); Tommy
and Margaret Kelly (car trouble). Ann Hynes, widow of Jarlath,
hopes to come next year and I hope she can bring Mary Johnston, widow
of Jimmy, with her. If I've forgotten anyone I'm sorry.
We were John and Margaret Morton;
Tom and Betty Mackle; Robbie Dempsey; Paul West (West
o' the Website); Peter Finn; Bill Nimmo-Scott; Verna Burdett
Clark and family; Terry and Ann(e) Butler and family; Zelda
'n' me.
This is the 90th anniversary of the discovery of The Priory by the WFs.
We put flowers on Our Lady's statue on Saturday night after a splendid day
at Southsea and on Sunday, Fr Buckley (did we ever have a better
friend?) blessed the graves and especially Fr Travers'. We laid flowers
also on Fr T's grave.
Peter Finn gave us an A-1 talk on writing his History of The Priory
after Mass on Sunday and (as I believe) sold quite a few copies. I am very
anxious for him to sell-out. Have you got your copy yet (think Christmas!)?
You can contact Peter at 01962-885266. For Jane Austen lovers: Brenda
Finn has done a magnificent sequel to Emma. I haven't met a woman yet
who didn't read it and love it. Just so you know!
After Peter had finished, Mrs Barbara Goodrich, a parishioner and
mother of Anne Butler, showed us the photo below - featuring many
family members and our very own Fr Rijkers (who was a member of staff
at the Priory 1936 - 40).
More details of this photo to follow.
(source: Barbara Goodrich)
Left to right, 'at the back':
Fr Rijkers, Simon Foley, William Goodrich, Charlie Adams, Elizabeth Goodrich,
Howard Goodrich, Marjorie Foley & Simon Foley
Front, right: Godmother Phyllis Shannon, holding the baby Patrick
Goodrich, Kathleen Adams, Alice Foley, and Barbara Goodrich (who lent us
the photo).
Bill Nimmo-Scott is now going to undertake the History of St Columba's!
Peter has given him a load of material that proved superfluous to The History
Of The Priory. Bill would now like to hear from the rest of us. I think
I have a memoir (!) that I can offer him and various photographs. What have
you got locked away in your dusty archive or in your bulging memory that
you'd be glad to afford him? He promises to return faithfully what you send
him. His telephone is 01672-810751. Let's do it!
Two old boys of the parish, John Morton and Paul West, are planning
a memoir of the WFs at Heston. Vivat Historia.
Are we still thinking Africa? We need to get money out there. Every penny
is vital. Make your cheques out to The Pelicans and send to Pat Gibbons,
84 Albert Road West, BOLTON. Lancs BL1 5ED. Telephone: 01204-842525.
Prayer for the House and I feel a bit ashamed now. When I am not doing the
res pelicana, I help to run a wee Glasgow football fanzine called "The Celt".
This November, I hope to bring out a book, "20 Years Of The Celt". Will
you sponsor me at £4 a go? (i.e. buy a copy of this superb book at £4 only,
a ridiculously low price with Christmas approaching as well). You can have
as many copies as you like at £4 a time. You may say: What have Celtic to
do with me? I say: Maybe nothing at all but I can promise you a good read
and it will help me!
One million thanks, Eugene
Sent later:
Dear Pelicans
I have just read in the Petit Echo that Fr Johnny Morrissey died on 2 May.
He was Priory Captain 1950-51 and rushing bull of a centre-forward. Also
dead is Fr Jan Delteijk of the P.o.W. group 1940-44 (in Holland 16 April
2002). He was 90. ÊSome of the 'sHeerenbergers may remember him.
May they rest in peace.
Euge
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