40th Anniversary Celebration Breakfast

Reflections by Peter Murnaghan

After the Sunday Mass, a steady stream of massgoers trooped out to the school hall, past a photographic record of events over the last 40 years. Their goal? To partake in the celebration breakfast.

A queue quickly formed to savour the bagels with a choice of delicious cream cheese with salmon, or a variety of jams. Mike Slinn and his helpers were dispensing 120 of their renowned St Stephen's bacon butties, before they ran out. Marion Buckett claimed that she had served 6 million coffees, which was felt to be a slight exaggeration. But the queue evaporated as everyone tucked into their morning feast, below the silver balloons proclaiming a massive ‘40’, still flying from the rafters from Friday night’s Ceilidh.

It was good to compare aching muscles with fellow dancers and to share thoughts with the children and grown ups. Bishop Crispian circulated and Rev Mike Gardner joined in the fun. We learned that he has a reputation for putting on a good funeral, such was the variety of topics of conversation. (He hopes to have this erected on his own tombstone, at some time in the future!)

Before long, the numbers started to diminish, as folks left to go home and the dedicated washing-up team swung into action.  And, as it was all cleared away, it was possible to reflect on the tremendous community spirit that exists in and around St Stephens