St. Finbarrs

Vera Bramwell, Fr. Jeff Cridland and Bett Gilchrist 

"The Church of St. Finbarrs at Aylesham was crammed tight last Sunday to see two ladies receive a special Papal Medal. Pope Benedict the XV1 awarded Mrs. Vera Bramwell and Mrs. Bett Gilchrist the Bene Merenti Medal, one of the highest awards for lay people as an honour for their  services to St. Finbarrs Church and the Parish of Aylesham. In presenting the medals ,on behalf of the Bishop of Southwark, Fr. Jeff Cridland paid tribute to the recipients by likening their awards to our own Honours System, where you have to be nominated,the paper work sent to Southwark Cathedral for vetting and then on to Rome, where the final decision is made if they are worthy  and in this case there was no doubt about it. Vera and Bett have worked unceasingly for the Church for over twenty seven years doing all sorts of jobs but especially cleaning which they have done at least once a week for all this time. As well as the medal they were given a lapel badge, which can be worn on very special occasions, and a framed certificate authorised by The Pope. Fr. Jeff finished by saying it was a mark of their high regard to see so many people from different denominations present to see these two highly respected and hard working ladies honoured by His Holiness."
 
Russell Bramwell