Seventy-six members and their guests attended the 102nd Annual General Meeting of the Society in the Throne Room of Archbishop’s House on 26 May 2026, preceded by Holy Mass in Westminster Cathedral which was celebrated for the Society’s members, living and deceased.
The Society’s Chairman, Alderman Vincent Keaveny CBE KStJ KCSG KGCHS, opened his report by reviewing the past year. This has involved:
- His Eminence, Cardinal Vincent Nichols’ topical and almost contemporary reflections on the papal conclave, at the 2025 AGM Reception
- A memorable Summer Outing at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, hosted by Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski OBE
- The Autumn Reception with Councillor Robert Rigby KSG, a member of the Society, as the guest speaker, focusing on his year as Lord Mayor of Westminster 2024/25
The Chairman recorded the most significant moment of the past year for the Society, the Diocese and wider Church, as being the appointment of the Most Reverend Richard Moth as Archbishop of Westminster. Alderman Keaveny was privileged to represent the Society at the installation of the new Archbishop, and wrote on behalf of all members to both His Grace and Cardinal Vincent.
Alderman Keaveny confirmed that this year’s grant of £40,000 would help in the improvement of the private accommodation of Archbishop’s House, which was in need of repair. Other works would meet the criteria of the Society’s Centenary Funds.
To mark the start of Archbishop Richard’s tenure in Westminster, the Chairman announced that there would be a new appeal, created in order to help deliver His Grace’s vision for Archbishop’s House as an invaluable resource in furtherance of the Church’s mission. More details would follow after the AGM.
The Treasurer’s report highlighted the Society’s financial performance. The year to September 2025 saw both total income and grant-making expenditure of circa £40,000. Reserves at year end stood at £722,000, including investment income just shy of £30,000. It was confirmed that the accounts for 2025 had been approved by Council, signed by the Chairman and reviewed by the Independent Examiner. These have been submitted to the Charity Commission, and copies are available for members from the Secretary.
This year’s AGM also saw the election of two new members to the Society’s Council: Mrs Patricia Bessey RIBA ARB DCHS and Mr Richard Solomon FCA FCSI KHS, alongside existing members who were re-elected en bloc. Alderman Keaveny welcomed Mrs Bessey and Mr Solomon on behalf of the Society.
Following the business of the AGM, Alderman Keaveny presented the 2026 grant to Archbishop Richard Moth, together with the Society’s customary gift for His Grace from the J. E. Platt Fund and two bottles of claret. Members and their guests had the opportunity to listen to Archbishop Richard speak further about the immediate works on the private accommodation and his longer-term vision for the House. The gathering continued in his presence with a convivial reception until the close of the evening.
The Society of St Augustine of Canterbury 