Page 23 - Phonebox Magazine January 2007

North Crawley Bowls Club
Race Night
Racing is coming to the Village Institute Saturday, 3rd February 2007, at 7.30pm Eight Sponsored races, with a live Tote Owners of winning horses to receive prizes Free refreshments provided and a pay bar
available on the night Do come and join in the fun Entry fee of £2 per person Race Card provided
Book your place beside the race track now by calling
Sandy Henry 01234 391413
Anne Larr 01234 391496
John Clifford 01234 391551 Graham Kinns 01234 391697
Gold Medal Award for 60 Years’ Senior Service
It was all smiles at Our Lady Help of Christians & St Lawrence, West Street, Olney as Altar server Bill Senior
received a ‘remarkable’ gold medal for 60 years’ service to the Church.
Bill, 70 (right), started serving on the Altar in 1943, aged seven, but was fully enrolled as a server in his home town of Bournemouth in 1946. He received a bronze medal then and could have had a silver medal after 25 years – as well as his gold award ten years ago at 50 years – but decided not to say anything.
It was only after Parish Priest Father Gerard Ryan (left), who made the presentation, asked Bill how long he had been serving
that an applicaion was made for the important award. Father Ryan said the gold medal is a rare achievement and the first he had ever witnessed.
Remembering how it all started Bill, of Lilly Hill, said: “I was sitting with my mother in Church when the Priest took me by the hand and said ‘Come with me to serve on the Altar’. What followed was Latin lessons and the strict ritual of being made into an Altar server.”
“The greatest pleasure for me now is seeing the youngsters coming through and although Altar serving is a serious business we do have a great deal of fun which keeps us going.”
Bill celebrated his medal with a drinks reception for friends. As well as his church work, the retired company director also finds time to enjoy his hobby - maintaining and riding classic motorcycles.
“I’m blessed to have Bill here,” said Father Ryan. “It’s a wonderful achievement to have served the Church for so long.” n
Phonebox Magazine 23
ORCHARD WILLS
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