June '08 News

Recent News

This month’s web news covers a rather shorter span than usual. This is because we have just completed one of the most action-packed fortnights in living memory - unusual even by Boarbank’s standards. An unforgettable May of sunshine and celebrations.

On May 13th the travel writer John Pilkington presented a talk with slides. He took his audience for a wonderful adventure: up the Mekong river from South China to Tibet. The slides were very good, with vivid commentaries from an enthusiastic explorer. John was the first European to reach the source of the Mekong. Many thanks to Shirley who provided this fascinating afternoon for us.

One World Week with Augustine was an international celebration of the life and thought of St Augustine, with Friendship as its key theme. On the afternoon of May 14th a group of about 30 visitors joined us to reflect on this theme, and share tea and Vespers for St Augustine. This was a fully ecumenical event, thanks to the presence not only of Anglican and Methodist friends, but also Sr Margaret’s uncle, Rabbi Hillel Avidan, from Durban, who shared with us some thoughts from his tradition. A collection raised about £90 for the Augustinian missions. The community then held their own Augustine day, on Friday 16th May, the feast day of Augustine’s great friend Alypius. This was led by Nigel Bavidge, a deacon and Augustinian tertiary, and chaplain at Austin Friars School in Carlisle. Nigel’s thoughtful and lively presentation provided an ideal way of reflecting on aspects of Augustine’s thought.

On Tuesday 20th May Sue Naylor gave a talk in Boarbank on ‘Aromatherapy in the Home’. She is available for consultations and treatment on 015395-33345.

On May 21st, we celebrated Sr Mary Clare’s 80th birthday. Many congratulations to her, and thanks for providing us with the opportunity to celebrate with her and her family and friends.

On Sunday 25th May, as the Community celebrated Corpus Christi, the patronal feast of our Federation, Fr Hugh and Fr Dixie went to Ushaw to join in a different celebration, that of the 200th Anniversary of the foundation of the college. Fr Anthony said Mass for us at Boarbank.

On Monday 26th May we held our annual Coffee Morning. Our usual large and loyal team of helpers pulled out all the stops and we welcomed several hundred visitors to our various stalls. Despite half of the marquee being destroyed by the gales, the water supply cutting out twice, an electricity failure in Marymount, and the sacristy ceiling falling in that evening (we’re not exaggerating!) the day was a tremendous success. The total raised for a new electricity generator (you now know why we need it!) is so far about £13,500. Very many thanks indeed to everyone, helpers and visitors, for their hard work and generosity.

After the Coffee Morning:	the sacristy ceiling collapses

On Wednesday 28th May, Caroline D’Cruz, Sr Margaret’s sister, was joined by a friend, Russel Shipley, to give a concert in the Chapel of music for clarinet and piano. The first half explored the classical repertoire, including pieces by Schumann, Brahms and Saint Saens. The second half incorporated an element of jazz, with Gershwin and Joseph Horowitz. The concert was greatly enjoyed by all present, and raised about £240 for the Augustinian Missions.

The first parish priest of the parish of St Charles Borromeo, Fr John Bilsborow, arrived in Grange on 22nd August 1882, and the foundation stone of the new church was laid on 29th May 1883. At that stage, the parish stretched as far as Newby Bridge, Lakeside, Arnside and Witherslack, an area of 60 square miles, and numbered 83 parishioners. On Friday 30th May our chapel was full for the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the founding of the parish. Bishop Patrick was the chief celebrant and preacher at an appropriately lively mass. Afterwards about two hundred people enjoyed a sumptuous buffet provided by the parishioners. It was a marvellous occasion: once again, many thanks indeed to all those involved for their tremendous hard work in making it such a success, and many congratulations to Fr Parker and all the parishioners.

On the 31st May, Sr Elizabeth Mary, Sr Annette and Sr Genevieve Mary went to to Liverpool to join Sr Rita, her community of Park House, her family who had come from Ireland and many friends, to celebrate her Golden Jubilee of religious life. As always, there was a warm welcome from our Park House sisters. The Mass in the chapel was prayerful and well sung  with many people present, and a  very attractive and succulent buffet followed with young and smiling waiters and champagne to toast Sr Rita cutting a real ‘wedding cake’ made by Sr Margaret and Sr Catherine. Sr Rita was visibly very touched by it all when she thanked us.  Even blue sky and bright sunshine were present at  this happy anniversary.

Sr Imelda celebrated her Golden Jubilee of profession on 3rd June. Bishop Patrick presided at the Mass and Bishop Brian Noble preached with warmth and appreciation for all that Imelda has contributed to Boarbank, and to the lives of those associated with the community, over the years. Over 100 people then sat down to a marvellous feast of good food and wine in the refectory and in the dining room. Many thanks to the kitchen staff and the team of servers, who worked unbelievably hard. Grange Flower Shop has reported record takings for the year. Very many congratulations to Sr Imelda - Ad Multos Annos!

Finally, on a sadder note, Mrs Betty Topping, who was resident in Marymount, originally from the North-East, but who had lived in Grange for many years, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of Sunday 25th May, a very appropriate conjunction of the Feast of St Bede and Corpus Christi. May she rest in peace.

Future Events

The new set of postcards, using some of the beautiful photographs that have been taken recently by various friends of Boarbank, is at the printers. Watch this space!

Mrs Lois Quinn has restarted a Meditation Group using a room in Boarbank. Two sessions have been held, so far each attended by about 10-12 people. She hopes to continue these on the third Tuesday of each month at 2-3 pm. The next gathering will be on 17th June. For information please call her on 015395-32773.

Previous News Pages

May 2008

April 2008