This year’s Reception attracted over seventy guests who were neither discouraged nor defeated by a tube strike and heavy traffic throughout central London. The evening commenced with a welcome from the Chairman, Mary Goodwin, who introduced our Guest Speaker, Suzi Pendlebury RIBA. Suzi had recently been appointed as Chief Architect and Surveyor of the Fabric in the Westminster Cathedral Complex. Suzi began her talk by expressing her joy at her new appointment and her love of the Westminster Cathedral estate. She gave a most interesting talk which included the use of original building plans and slides ranging from Bentley to Cardinal Vaughan to the present day. Members were pleased to hear about the new ten year strategy for the restoration, care and improvement of the buildings. Interestingly, Mrs Pendlebury pointed out the complex might properly be called the ‘Archbishop’s Palace’ which includes what we know today as Archbishop’s House and Clergy House. All those present were left with the sense that these precious buildings are now in the expert hands of a devoted custodian.
Mrs Pendlebury was thanked for her excellent talk by Bishop Nicholas Hudson who had kindly stepped in as the Cardinal was in transit from meetings in Rome. Bishop Nicholas recalled his first visit to the Cathedral as a boy and spoke of his great affection for Archbishop’s House (his place of work) and the complex (he lives in Vaughan House).
Mary Goodwin welcomed especially the new members and guests present. There had been an increase of 10% in the membership in the last year. She thanked Bishop Nicholas and Suzi Pendlebury. Mrs Goodwin was pleased to give an update on the Centenary 2022 Appeal. She was delighted to announce that it had now exceeded £80,000 in donations (including Gift Aid) and that the first phase of works – replacement of lighting was in progress. Mrs Goodwin thanked members for their support and encouraged the several guests who were present to consider joining the Society. She announced that there would be some interesting events in 2023 and that details would be confirmed early next year.
The Cardinal arrived towards the end of the evening. His Eminence very kindly spoke to us all briefly and thanked members of the Society for their steadfast support of Archbishop’s House. The event then drew to a close. It was a wonderful final gathering of 2022.
The Society of St Augustine of Canterbury 