WOODFORD NEWS ARCHIVE

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The Parish Garden Fete 2009 in Glorious Sunshine

: Fr Michael O'Kane amuses both adults ...

The annual parish Garden Fete took place on Saturday, 13th June 2009, the feast of St Antony of Padua, and was blessed with glorious weather. There were huge crowds and the various events and stalls were well spread thoughout the extensive friary grounds. The takings were a record, including a concluding bid of £500 in the auction of a signed Chelsea football shirt. As always the children from both the Primary and Secondary Schools took an active part, dancing and playing in the band. The organisers and helpers deserve a heartfelt thanks for their successful efforts.

: ... and children

: The playing of Trinity School Wind Band ...

: ... finds an appreciative audience

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The first celebration in Britain of the Eighth Centenary of the Franciscan Order took place at Woodford on a date a few days after the exact anniversary. For a full account click here

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For a full list of events in Britain to celebrate the Jubilee Year 2009-2010 click here

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A Visit to West Ham

On Wednesday, 29th April 2009, Fr Anthony McNeill (above right) arranged a trip by 22 boys from Bishop Challoner Sports College, where he is chaplain, to West Ham Training ground. There they had the opportunity to meet the First Team players and Gianfranco Zola. They also learnt about the players' training and diets. The boys had a great time and came away with autographs and signed memorabilia.

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The Celebration of Fr Walter's 90th Birthday

After concelebrating the Saturday morning Mass in the church on the 2nd May 2009 with many parishioners and friends, Fr Walter Hobson gathered with them in the Becket Centre for a reception where he was congratulated and easily blew out the candles representing the 90 years of his life - so far.

As Divine Providence willed it, this was to be Fr Walter's last birthday. He was to die on 9th February 2010. To read an account of his death and funeral click here and scroll down

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Lenten Talks by Bishop John Crowley

: The Guardian, Fr Austin Linus McCormack OFM, introduces the Bishop

: Over 120 people flocked to hear the opening talk on Wednesday, 4th March 2009

It is a tradition at Woodford Friary that each Lent a weekly series of talks is given by a visiting speaker to nourish the spirit of the people on their journey through the time of Lent.

This year the recently retired Bishop of Middlesbrough, the Rt Rev. John Crowley, who is now based in the neighbouring parish of Our Lady of Lourdes in Wanstead, agreed to give these talks, beginning on Wednesday, 4th March 2009.

The opening talk drew a crowd of over 120 people who flocked to hear him.

The title of the series of talks is "Who do you say that I am?" The Bishop explained that on the occasion of the Millennium he had gathered his whole diocese together one Sunday in a Football Stadium and based his whole homily on the seven statements "I am ..." made by Jesus in St John's Gospel and he proposed to use these now in this series of talks.

He began with the greatest and most fundamental of them all:

Before Abraham ever was I am (John 8:58), and then announced the remainder:

I am the Bread of Life (John 6:35)

I am the Light of the World (John 8:12)

I am the Good Shepherd (John 10:11)

I am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)

I am the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6)

I am the Vine, you are the branches (John 15:5)

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