Medals ceremony at St Edmund's, Beckenham

There was a special mass on 14 September, 2008 for the altar servers at the Church of St Edmund of Canterbury, Beckenham in the Diocese of Southwark. The principal celebrant was Bishop Patrick Lynch, assisted by the Canon Jack Madden (Parish Priest), Father Victor Akongwale and the Westminster Diocesan Director, Fr Keith Stokes. The Guild President, Michael Chute, the Guild Secretary, Michael O'Leary and the Southwark Diocesan Secretary, Anthony Roberts were also present.

Picture of the servers


40 altar servers were enrolled into the Guild and received Bronze medals.

Silver medals were awarded to Umberto Ferrando, Oliver Denne and Timothy Pollard who have all been members of the Guild in Beckenham for over 10 years.

James Roberts received the Guild's Gold medal in recognition of over 50 years membership of the Guild. He has been an altar server since 1954 and joined the Guild at Holy Cross Church, Catford in 1956.

Michael Parker received the Guild's Gold Special Award recognising that he has been an altar server for over 60 years. He has been the principal MC at St Edmund's for over 30 years and was responsible for introducing the Guild to the parish.