Diamond Membership Anniversaries

60 Years of service marked for two of our members

We gathered on Sunday 25th June 2017 at the Parish of Saint Peter in Eastwood to celebrate sixty years of active membership for two distinguished members of our Council here in Southend; Brother Noel and Brother Brian.

Mass was concelebrated by Members of Honour Father Michael with our Chaplain Father Jeff, and Deacon Richard, and our Provincial Grand Knight Brother George and his wife were also in attendance with a large gathering of Brothers and their families to make this a wonderful celebration. At the end of Mass, both Noel and Brian were presented each with a certificate of thanks and recognition signed by our Supreme Knight Brother Charlie having already been presented with their Golden Jubilarian awards ten years earlier. Both gentleman are active members quietly supporting everything we do not just at our events, but in their own parishes and in the community too.

Brian (left) with Noel (right)

Also, for the first time in many years, the tradition of giving a religious statue to immediate sons and daughters of members who had recently had their First Holy Communions' took place with a blessing from Father Jeff to three children at the end of Mass too.

Afterwards, we headed for lunch at a Toby Carvery and took over a large section of the seating when we sat down for a fun social gathering and a feast to close the days' festivities.

Here is an extract of the speech delivered by our Grand Knight and Chairman Liam that was read to parishioners in recognition of the dedication of the two diamond jubilarians:-

Brother Noel Browne joined the Knights on 6^th January 1957. Noel spent countless years with Barking Council serving tirelessly as Treasurer for many, many, years, as well as Warden and Chancellor. For a two-year period Noel also served Province as auditor… Although only having transferred to Southend Council a few years ago he instantly became a valued member of the team bringing warmth, kindness and wisdom to debate, always willing to get stuck in and assist. We are truly blessed and thank Noel for his remarkable contribution now, and during the past 60 years.

And now, last but by no means forgotten. Brother Brian Dillon… In truth it would be almost impossible to forget Brother Brian, for all the right reasons of course, diminutive in stature but a giant amongst Knights. Brother Brian joined the Knights on 7^th April 1957, the son of a Knight, Brother Brian has held most official positions within council, including being Grand Knight, just like his father before him and his son since – However, Brian went on to serve province for many years, achieving the position of Provincial Grand Knight. I believe Brian thinks I’m joking when I call him the Oracle, but I’m deadly serious, what Brian doesn’t know about the Knights isn’t worth knowing. He has been an inspirational figure to me and I know many other Knights over the years. Brian is quick to praise and slow to criticise and patient to a fault with those who are willing to work hard and invest time. Our Council is the richer for having Brian around, I’m the richer for his words of wisdom and I’m sure many others would say the same. 

BCCS Walk 2017

Sponsored Seafront Walk 2017 for the Brentwood Catholic Children's Society

This year we walked much later than normal; Saturday 1st July to be exact and we had the most beautiful weather to accompany us.

We also had people walking from ages 8 up to 81 years of age and everyone who took part completed the walk which was fantastic.

The day started by dropping a car to the finishing point for lifts back at the walks completion and on picking both Joan and Margaret up from St George's we travelled the route almost in reverse as we headed to the starting point.

Father Joseph said Mass at 10am and then got ready to walk also and at the time of leaving the sun had burnt away the clouds and a light breeze accompanied the full sunshine.

As in previous years we had different people setting off from different start points with Hilary and John walking from Westcliff train station having arrived from Stratford by train, and Brian walking from his parish in Prittlewell. Our main party included parishioners from Benfleet, Westcliff, Leigh-on-Sea and Prittlewell and we were all eager to do our bit and finish too.

Just over halfway we paused for respite and Father Joseph lead us in prayer before the final stretch towards the parish hall of Saint George where we were warmly met by Frank and Val for a hot drink and biscuits and Julie from the BCCS greeted us too and gave out the certificates to the walkers.

Thank you to all who gave support for this event.

The wonderful Val and Frank serving refreshments

Our Walkers - 

Aylesford Priory 2017

Our Day Pilgrimage to Aylesford Priory Sunday 11th June 2017

Having just celebrated the feast day of our Patron Saint Columba on Friday 9th, it was fitting that our Council once again journeyed to the Knights Southern Area Pilgrimage at Aylesford Priory where we are always made to feel at home.

Just like last year, we took a coach of Knights and parishioners from across the Southend parishes, and we were delighted that two of the nuns from Nazareth House were able to join us.

With the Southend sunshine in tow, we arrived with plenty of time to settle in for the 51st Annual pilgrimage and Mass was said by Monsignor Matthew Dickens (Vicar General for Southwark) with Reverend Father Innocent Obonyi concelebrating on the feast of the Holy Trinity. Monsignor Matthew recognised and thanks the Knights across the country for the work we do for our clergy, for our parishes and for the community, and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve and support our clergy in working in our communities.

During Mass, three of our members amongst thirty three were elevated to full Knighthood with our Supreme Knight Brother Charlie, and Deputy Supreme Knight Brother Bertie leading the short ceremony.

Brothers Duncan, Charles and Jerry (front to back) ready to become full Knights

After Mass, and then lunch, we had time to wander around the peaceful grounds that the Carmelites care for so well, and the day finished with a Rosary Procession and Benediction before boarding the coach back to Southend. All in all a brilliant day with a chance to reflect, to give thanks, and to be together with our families and friends.

Pilgrimage to Ieper

Our Day Pilgrimage to Ieper (Ypres), Belgium 30th May 2017

It was poignant that we went to Ypres, the cemeteries there, the battlefields, and the memorials. The Knights of Saint Columba as an organisation was born originally to support troops coming home to Scotland (Glasgow) following the Great War and it was from there that who we are and what we stand for came about.

Many of our members here is Southend-on-Sea both past and present have connections with family members who took part in that most tragic of wars. Going to Ypres gave us time to reflect, to remember and to commemorate not just those soldiers we knew of but for those we did not know.

The many parishioners from the parishes around Southend had also come along for many reasons and including former serviceman, school children (it was half term) and families looking to learn and experience such a trip for themselves.

Through hard work, our current Chairman Liam sought information about a local lad living in Leigh-on-Sea who had served in the Great War and had volunteered with the Essex Yeomanry at the very young age of fifteen. At various points of our coach journey, Liam read letters written by this local lad; Cecil Cattell, who on writing to his family had not yet reached the frontline, but was very grateful for the gifts of cake, and asked very fondly about friends and family at home.

Private Cecil H. C. Cattell of the Essex Yeomanry

Our first stop took us the town centre to allow us to get our bearings of where different sites and places were for the day and after a quick break for lunch we were driven to the vast grounds of Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery and Memorial to the Missing which holds 11965 burial graves (8369 are unnamed). This was a very peaceful, clean and well respected place with a very informative visitors centre.

We gathered for a Memorial Service of prayer and remembrance where we said the De Profundis prayer for the dead, a decade of the Rosary, and listened to the words of the two poems, 'A Prayer For You' and 'In Flanders Fields'.

As we approached the visitor centre (and also inside it) we listened to a recording of a child's voice reading names of those known soldiers who had died with their picture on a screen inside the centre also ensuring that those that made the ultimate sacrifice were not forgotten.

Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery and Memorial

Later we visiting Hill 62 which is a farm turned into a museum where on their land was a section of British trenches dug inside woodland where injured troops were taken to receive medical attention.

The British named the wood 'Sanctuary Wood' although there were many craters around this preserved section of trenchline to suggest that the bombing did not give much respite to those taking refuge there. The rain gathering in sections of these trenches gave only a glimpse of conditions which was visibly not favourable for any length of stay for troops.

Several columns of stacked empty shells were on the grounds and the museum (a converted house) was stacked top to bottom with artefacts, weapons, empty munitions, and images of the horrors of this war especially around the Ypres Salient. One such horror was the use of chemical warfare and the different poisonous gases used on those on the battlefield with gruesome photographs showing the damage to human life this does. To think that such gas is still used today in Syria is just a sad reminder of the barbarity of humankind.

The final letters we were read were from Cecil's mother and Cecil's commanding officer. A very sad point of our trip where after Cecil had been listed as missing, and following a mothers appeal, it was confirmed that Cecil had indeed lost his life in battle. His commanding officer replied to Cecil's mother regarding Cecil's fate, and wrote,

"I had no idea your son was so young but it may be of some consolation to you to know that he died fighting like a man and a soldier".

Back in town, Saint Martin's Cathedral, for all its current splendour, had not escaped the ravages of war having been heavily damaged in World War One and an image in the Cathedral showed the damage with a troop of soldiers marching past. We did have an unanswered question though: Why is there a doorway halfway up the side of the Cathedral? (middle picture)

At the end of the day we assembled at the Menin Gate to observe the Last Post which had been played every evening since 1928 and was the 30691st time the ceremony took place.

The packed crowd were silent throughout and we were asked to go home and remember those that gave their todays for our tomorrows. The culmination of the trip was to look amongst the many regiments and the thousands of names written in stone throughout the Menin Gate. Amongst those names at the very bottom of the list of soldiers killed from the Essex Yeomanry, was a young Private by the name of C. H. C. Cattell.

Listed soldiers of the Essex Yeomanry with added emphasis.

Cecil was killed in a charge near Potijze, Ypres on 13th [14th] May 1915, aged just 16.
May he rest in peace and may we be forever grateful for the sacrifices of those millions who died for us in the Great War so that their todays allowed us to have our tomorrows.

BCCS Walk 2017

On Saturday 1st July, we are holding the annual sponsored seafront walk for the Brentwood Catholic Children's Society or BCCS for short.

We will be walking from St Helens in Westcliff to St George's in Shoeburyness following 10am Mass at St Helens, and Father Joseph will be walking with us once again.

To read about last years walk, please visit our previous blog write up at:

http://ksc192.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/walking-walk.html

Some of the walkers at the finish in 2016

If you would like to take part in the walk, cheer us on, or even sponsor us, then please contact Damian by email (damian.dillon@btinternet.com) and both the registration form for the walk and the sponsorship form can be emailed accordingly.

Damian's son helped to record the following short promotional video which is 1 minute 37 seconds long and can be viewed below:

If you wanted to donate some money towards the event no matter the size, and in particular if you wanted to sponsor Father Joseph then you are welcome to use this online sponsor page which is safe and secure, and all monies will go direct to the BCCS with no deductions. Every penny helps. You can also gift aid also through this online sponsor page hosted by BT.

https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/ksc192-2017 

Thank you and a write up of this years walk will be added here in July after the event.

St Patricks Celebration in Southend

When Southend-on-Sea became Irish... (for one night at least)!

A packed hall

We came together to celebrate Saint Patricks Day albeit a day late to accommodate a weekend, and to put on a evening to bring some cheer to the local area during this season of Lent.

First off the cuff, we had Father Jeff behind the bar serving drinks. Father Jeff serving the drinks! We told him to leave it alone but he is like the Duracell bunny who doesn't stop working even when he is not meant to be. And who are we to argue with our Chaplain?

Lots of dancing

What an evening we had. Bruno and Audrey took charge having set about decorating the hall the night before and making sure their idea was the best it could be. The couple had sold over seventy tickets between them.

We had Irish Stew on the stove, we had potatoes in the oven, we had Guinness at the bar, we had an Irish sing song with John Puddick and we had the McGowan Lee Irish dancers entertain us most wonderfully.

John Puddick whipping the crowd into shape

There was couples dancing too and to cap it all we did amazingly well with the raffle.

Over 140 parishioners from across the five different parishes in the area supported the evening and with financial assistance with the bar from some very nice people we were able to offer drinks complimentary; naturally we ran out of alcohol before the evening finished!

Above: a short video of the McGowan Lee Irish dancers performing

We raised over £1300 for our causes throughout the evening with the money to go to the parish of Saint Peter, Eastwood; where we held the function, for Missio of whom we are supporting nationally, for the Diocesan fund for the training of new priests, to help our own operating costs and for Nazareth House, Westcliff-on-Sea. It does help however, to have a few of our members of Irish heritage to add a bit of flavour and personal touches to the evening.

A big thank you to all who supported and helped with this event of ours.

Review of 2016 - Our Faith in Action

Putting our Words into Action

2016 has been a busy year for us; much more than in previous years. With new members joining and willing to involve themselves in our work we have been able to answer the call for help much more than before and therefore become more relevant as a result. That is not to say that to be relevant means to be actively working for our Council because we have a significant portion of membership who due to ill health and age can no longer physically support our work but have the means to support us through prayer which is a stable part of what we do.

Below is a summary of our activities from month to month as a collective but this does not take in account the continued week in and week out parochial support across our parishes that many of our members as individuals provide. Those who are Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, ushers, choir members, Master of Ceremonies for Mass, altar servers, school governors, CAFOD representatives, SVP members, friends of Nazareth House, parish council members, and the work carried out as individuals for many other charities and support groups during the year such as volunteering each week for the Southchurch Foodbank.

As individuals we also celebrated the Year of Mercy and we also took parishioners from Sacred Heart Southchurch to Brentwood Cathedral in April to go through the Year of Mercy door opened there and many of us readily support our parish priests with whatever urgent support we are required to give. Our main work and support of the Church and clergy starts with the seven Catholic parishes in our area but this does extend beyond our boundaries when we are asked to do so, and we do also support parishes from the Anglican Communion when mutual support is welcomed.

Our year started as it always does with our Anniversary on January 1st and this year we gathered for Mass at Nazareth House with Father William and a fantastic way to begin a New Year on the right foot.

Also in January...

• We supported Christian Unity week
• Delivered the White Flower Appeal for SPUC at the parish of Saint Peter in Eastwood 
• Collected 300 unwanted spectacles for VisionAid Overseas collected from Anglican and Catholic parishes all around Southend,
• and ran a coffee morning at Sacred Heart

Plans were already afoot to launch our application for the CAFOD Live Simply award which was applied for in February, and we also brought a new member into our fold, supported the Real Easter Egg campaign, ran a parish social evening for the BCCS Quizzylympics, and were present for all our local Ecumenical Stations of the Cross in Leigh-on-Sea and Eastwood.

March saw us delivering the Brentwood News to all parishes around the deanery (13 churches), brought in another new member, supported another one-off Ecumenical Stations of the Cross in Southchurch, and prepared for our Bollywood evening to be held in April for the charities and causes we were supporting for the year.

After installing our officers for the year, April was the month we focussed on our Bollywood evening with a whole range of prizes to be won in our huge raffle. It was a very busy evening with 108 people being fed and entertained whilst raising much needed funds for Missio, Nazareth House and our Diocesan fund for the training of new priests.

May saw us helping out at the Mass for the Ordination of Father Michael, along with supporting local events and joining the Essex Savers Credit Union for local ethical banking. We also began to hand out the SPUC Pro Life Times around our parishes, and were involved in the 50th Anniversary events at Holy Family.

June was just as busy! We ran a full coach to the KSC 50th annual Aylesford pilgrimage where four of our number became full members, we held a parish to parish sponsored seafront walk for the BCCS starting with Mass at the parish Our Lady Help of Christians and Saint Helen in Westcliff and finishing with refreshments at Saint George and the English Martyrs parish in Shoeburyness and we distributed the new Brentwood News issue around the parishes as requested. 86 additional pairs of unwanted spectacles were also collected from the parish of Saint Luke in Prittlewell for VisionAid Overseas and passed to Williams Opticians for their sorting and passing to the charity.

July began with our presence being requested at a joint community event in Westcliff with a stand to promote what we do locally, and we had members present to help with a foodbank collection from Tesco. We were busy organising our October Community Fayre and along with holding a social for ourselves to catch up, we also gave Father Lee a farewell lunch to say thanks for all his support and held a quiz for CAFOD as part of the Sacred Heart parish CAFOD campaign.

Happily due to school being out we kept August as free as we could... however, we were requested to hold a nine day Novena for peace, reconciliation and harmony which we did in the churches of Sacred Heart and Saint John Fisher, and we also held our own annual BBQ for members to take stock in the sunshine which shone brightly in sunny Southend! Mid August saw us take a coach full on a day trip to London starting with sung Mass at the beautiful parish church at Saint James Spanish Place in London and preparations were made for our CAFOD World Day of Prayer service on September 1st.

Following our CAFOD World Day of Prayer service, we were then busy handing out both the new issues of SPUC Pro Life Times and the Brentwood News around all the parishes again, and on September the 21st we celebrated our 1000th meeting with Mass and a social which was another event that took some organising but was very rewarding to be a part of.

October saw the final distribution of the SPUC Pro Life Times, and we began to sell the BCCS annual draw tickets around the parishes like we did the previous year. The build up to our first Community Fayre took centre stage but the week before we still found time to organise and hold our second parochial pilgrimage for the sick from Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Joseph to the parish of Saint Peter in Eastwood. Our Community Fayre was six months of planning and with 19 exhibitors being showcased to the local community we felt we promoted a lot of good causes and ideas and will be looking to organise another Fayre for 2017. We hadn't finished for October as the following weekend we held an awareness drive for our Polish community for them to talk to us and gain an understanding of what we do following a request by their parish priest to do so.

November saw Father Michael becoming a Member of Honour, we were present at our annual Memorial Mass for deceased members at Brentwood Cathedral, and as well as distributing the latest Brentwood News and Diocesan Directories, we continued to travel around the parishes to sell more BCCS Annual Draw tickets in support of their work. Father Gerry became a Member of Honour, and we ran a Christmas quiz for the Sacred Heart CAFOD project too.

We ran the bottle stall at the Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint Joseph parish Christmas Fayre on the 3rd December, and continued to sell more BCCS Annual Draw tickets in the parishes and then held a Christmas social for our members and widows the following Saturday. The next day we ran the coffee morning on behalf of the parish of Saint George and the English Martyrs for their funds and individual members began collecting extra food supplies to be passed to The Storehouse (who were at our October Community Fayre) in support of the homeless and needy of Southend for the Christmas season. We ran our Keep Christ in Christmas sticker and poster campaign again for the start of Advent and if we missed any parishes of any denomination that needed supplies of these then we apologise in advance and will look to supply any parish next year if you would like to get in touch. We were also able to support another of our Community Fayre exhibitors by passing Hopeworx an oil heater, toaster, microwave and unwanted crockery to support their work in the community.

All this is on top of the regular monthly meetings we hold, the quarterly countywide meeting we attend, the regular committee meetings and evenings spent discussing and planning the future.

2016 did provide us with many challenges. We are currently putting plans together for 2017 and hopefully we can focus on more quality than quantity of activities but it is difficult to plan for the unknown as we found this year however we will do our best moving ever forward.

Thank you for your continued support.