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Tasmanian Anglican

May 2003

 

 

 

 


Marj Hall (left) and Dot Flanagan at the morning tea at St Bede's, New Town

 

Farewell to Dot Flanagan

by Tim Swifte

 

 

Wednesday, the 26th of February saw some 25 people assembled at St Bede's Church, Cressy Street, New Town, for the normal Wednesday Midweek Service. But there was a greater reason for the above average attendance - Dot was to be farewelled!

Mrs Dot Flanagan has moved interstate to live close to her only daughter, Jenny. As a Church Warden Emeritus, Dot had been a backbone of that congregation for more years than anyone could remember: fifty years plus!

In talking about Dot's service to that Church mention was made of her quiet manner of dealing with the necessities of the running of the Church. She helped with floral arrangements which regularly decorated the interior, the cleaning and bookings for the hall at the back of the church. At services Dot was the welcomer, sidesperson, and collected the offering, and all this after having prepared the elements for communion. After services she was the person who washed the chalice and paten and put them away until the next time. All this was done without bringing attention to herself.

Such selfless service is one that many could afford to emulate.

Over a long period she had also been an active Parish Councillor and Churchwarden, and a very active member of the Parish branch of MU.

The Rev'd David Le Rossignol conducted the service and at morning tea afterwards he presented Dot with a card, and some money. This would allow Dot to buy something in Adelaide which she would remember as a present from her friends in the Parish of St John, New Town, particularly the congregation at St Bede's.

St Bede's - the little church - is the only church in the East New Town area. Regular services are held on Sundays at 9,00 a.m. and on the second, fourth and fifth Wednesdays of the month at 10.30 a.m. Visitors are always welcome!