FAREWELL TO FR ANTHONY HOWE 

Sunday 7 December 2003

At the parish Mass today, St John's said good bye to Fr Anthony Howe, who is moving to Wakefield to be the Bishop's Chaplain there. Fr Anthony celebrated the Mass, assisted by Fr Bernard, and preached.

After the Mass, a party was held in the Parish Room, where a presentation was made to Fr Anthony. He has been at St John's since July 1 2001, when he was ordained Deacon by the Bishop of Ebbsfleet. He was the first full time curate of the parish for thirty years.

On display in the church were some of the cards that had been made for and given to Fr Anthony by the children of St John's school, where he was greatly involved in the music.

NEW ORGANIST

Sunday 23 November 2003

The PCC meeting agreed upon the appointment of Geoff Talbot to the post of Organist and Master of Music at Saint John's. He is currently Director of Music at Saint Mary's Church Ellesmere in Shropshire. he was an organ Scholar at Saint Chad's College Durham and studied under the famous musician, Sir Fancis Jackson, sometime Organist of York Minster. Geoff will take up the appointment in March 2004 when he and his wife move to Newbury.

CALVARY SHRINE

Sunday 2 November 2003

The Parish Mass today was offered in commemoration of the Faithful Departed (All Souls). During the service, the Crucifix and Altar from the old Cemetry in Newtown Road were re-dedicated. The Crucifix, which was erected in memory of the Revd William Legg has been attached to the wall by the sacristy, where it now forms a shrine. The altar has been sited at the west end of the church where it will be used for Requiem Masses.

We were delighted to welcome as our guests the Mayor of Newbury and other members of the Town Council, who have placed the crucifix and altar on permament loan to St John's Church.

Fr Anthony will assume his new duties and be licensed at the Solemn Mass in Wakefield Cathedral on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6, 2004. His final service at St Johns will be at 10:30 am on Sunday 7 December.