Over sixty members and their guests attended the 100th Annual General Meeting of the Society in the Throne Room of Archbishop’s House on 19 March 2024, preceded by Holy Mass in Westminster Cathedral.
This was the last AGM for Mrs Mary Goodwin DCSG DGCHS as Chairman after six years in the role and twenty-one years as a Trustee. During her time as Chairman the Society celebrated its Centenary, in 2022, which saw the launch of a Centenary Appeal to raise money for energy saving projects in Archbishop’s House. The highlights of the Centenary Year included a Reception in the presence of HRH The Prince of Wales (now HM King Charles III) as Guest of Honour, a Visit to Arundel Castle hosted by the Society’s President, His Grace the Duke of Norfolk, and a special gathering at The Mansion House.
The Chairman noted the sad death of Mr John Barrie KCSG in 2023, one of the Society’s Vice Presidents and a former Chairman. Mr Barrie contributed a huge amount of his time and expertise to the Society over many years. Copies of the history of the Society, written by Mr Barrie, are available to purchase via the Society’s website.
The Chairman was delighted to announce that Alderman Vincent Keaveny CBE KStJ KCSG KGCHS, one of the Society’s members and past Lord Mayor of London, will be the new Chairman of the Society.
The contribution to Archbishop’s House this year will support work on the internal courtyard and the provision of a new boiler. Further greening projects will be identified and surveyed.
The Society’s accounts had been independently examined and approved by Council. These will be submitted to the Charity Commission of England and Wales and copies are available from the Secretary.
Following the AGM, His Eminence Cardinal Nichols expressed his appreciation of the contribution the Society makes towards the maintenance of Archbishop’s House and his office. He particularly thanked Mrs Goodwin and the other retiring Council members. The Chairman presented the Cardinal with the Society’s contributions and thanked members for their continuing support.
Click to view more photos of the AGM and Reception by Marcin Mazur/CBCEW.
The Society of St Augustine of Canterbury 