The XXII Synod of the Diocese of the United Kingdom was celebrated in style on Saturday 13th April 2013.
On the evening before some of the clergy and lay delegates staying in London met at the Radisson Edwardian Hotel, Bloomsbury Street, London for a pre synod meal. Once again the occasion was organised by Diocesan Secretary Dr Roy Fidge and his wife Dulcie and was a great success.
The Synod opened with a Pontifical High Mass celebrated, by kind permission, in the Chapel, Methodist Central Hall, Westminster, London at 11am on the Saturday morning. Celebrant was the Right Revd Damien Mead, Bishop Ordinary. The Mass was deaconed by The Revd Dr Jonathan Munn (Our Lady & St Francis, Rochester, Kent) and subdeaconed by The Revd Howard Marsh (Our Lady & St Edward, Bolton, Lancs). The Archdeacon of the Diocese, The Venerable Raymond Thompson was Master of Ceremonies. The Organist and Choir Director was Mr Philip Norman.
After lunch delegates met in the Broadbent room, under the Chapel, for the business session of Synod. Business was brisk, the day was happy and fellowship was good and appreciated by those attending.
Business included the Bishop’s Charge to Synod, various reports of the state of the Church from Diocesan Officers and reports from the Missions and Parishes. The Bishop announced that Mrs Cathy Bosworth, Ammanaford, South Wales, was the recipient of this years Bishop’s Award for Exemplary Lay Service to the Church. Unfortunately Mrs Bosworth is in very poor health and was unable to be present to collect the Award. The Bishop will visit her later in the year.
Synod also agreed a Diocesan budget of £34,700 for 2013