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	April 2003				Some of the delegates and wives outside a cottage on the Brickendon Estate.       Vale: It is with deep regret that we announce the sudden death, following a massive heart attack, of AMS member John Ward. John, from Bendigo in Victoria, was staying with friends in Lindisfarne after the National Conference and died on Tuesday the 4th March. He was well known and loved by all. John had been inspired by the weekend, so he was gathered to his fathers on a high note.
		AMS Conference an outstanding success from Max Robinson
			A weekend of Christian fellowship, witness and service was an outstanding success at the National Conference of the Anglican Men's Society of Australia, held at the Rutherglen Holiday Village and the Longford/Perth Parish from Friday 28 February to Monday 3 March. Delegates, many accompanied by their wives, received an attractive registration folder of information and 'goodies'; as old friends were greeted and new friends made. National Chairman, Bishop Colin Sheumack, conducted Evening Prayer followed by a substantial dinner in the Banquet Hall. Real business (Almost) everyone managed to arise early on Saturday morning for a special Eucharist at Christ Church, Illawarra at 7 a.m! As is the custom at this unique church, the 1662 Book of Common Prayer was used. A hymn was composed locally for the occasion and the State AMS Chaplain, the Rev. Dr Peter Johnson led the service. The men then gathered together for the 'real business' of the conference. A notice of motion by the Rev. Tom Morgan from Victoria developed into a very broad topic of why AMS and other men's groups cannot link together without losing their identities. Several speakers questioned the lack of support from parish priests towards men's groups compared to the support evident towards women's groups. AMS and other men s groups are the obvious source of encouragement for men to participate in God's Service within the Church. Best It was a full day where agenda items were varied and interesting with the emphasis on practical witness and service for the Anglican Church. The women's day-tour of highlights on the West and East Tamar areas was adjudged the best ever by everyone! Our guest dinner speaker on Saturday was the Rev. Canon Eric Cave representing the Bishop of Tasmania, the Right Rev. John Harrower. Canon Cave spoke on Christian charity and companionship with frequent reference to the AMS motto of witness, fellowship and service. Rousing hymns The Revd Geoff Bransgrove conducted Sunday morning Eucharist at Christ Church, Longford. After morning tea we inspected the Brickendon Estate and enjoyed a sumptuous BBQ provided by members of the Longford Branch of the AMS, and then everyone assembled in the tiny Brickendon Chapel. The singing of two rousing hymns led by the enthusiastic Trevor Cowell, with Bruce Viney at the organ, added to a memorable weekend. Trevor was also our tour guide at Brickendon and later, at the Woolmers Estate. At Evening Prayer, led by Bishop Colin at Christ Church, Longford, two new members of the AMS were admitted by State Lay President, Ron Miller. They were Herb Harding from Howrah and Manfred Schneider from Longford. Indeed, the Anglican Men's Society of the Diocese of Tasmania, is the the only one which has shown an increase in membership over the last two years! The time and effort by so many, helped fulfill the Conference Theme of 'Christian Fellowship' successfully in every way.