In Memoriam

Ron Bell RIP

It was with sadness that Ron’s family with members of S Philip’s congregation, together with folks from S Matthew’s, Dilston Road and many of his friends gathered at S Matthew’s Church on Thursday, 19^th February for his funeral.

Whilst, of course, the mood was very sombre as we reflected on the huge loss that Ron’s death had inflicted on our lives, it was a time also to celebrate the considerable contribution that he had made to the life of the Church here and throughout the diocese.

Ron’s ministry as a Reader had been considerable and wide-ranging and he consistently brought his meticulous approach to all that he did.  His work in the parish, in the hospital as well as with many individuals has been a great blessing over the years.  It was both moving and appropriate that his fellow readers surrounded him throughout the Mass and escorted him from the church.

His wisdom and thoughtfulness guided S Philip’s through difficult times and I am profoundly grateful for kindness and friendship as I settled into this parish and I know that he had been similarly supportive of many of my predecessors.

Our condolences go to his family, above all Audrey with whom he shared his life so closely and was a greater factor in Ron’s own considerable ministry than we shall ever fully know.  May he rest in peace.

The Reverend Leslie John Clifton Canon Joy  RIP

Canon of Newcastle and formerly Vicar of S Matthew’s

Betty Platt writes:

Educated:            King's College, Oxford and S Stephen's House, Oxford

Ordained:            Deacon : 1933; Priest             : 1934

1933 – 1940:        Curate, St. Lawrence, Byker

1940 – 1948:        Curate in Charge:  Balkwell Conventional District, later St. Peters

1948 – 1964:         St. Matthews

1960 – 1964 :        Chaplain,  Ear, Nose & Throat Hospital, Rye Hill

1964 – 1983:          St. Mary’s, Blyth

1969 – 1983:          Rural Dean of Bedlington

1970 – 1983:          Honorary Canon, St. Nicholas Cathedral

1983:                      Retired

1994:                      Honorary Curate, St. Giles, Reading

I first met Father Joy in 1956 when my daughter Susan was born and I needed to be churched.   This was the beginning of my association with Saint Matthews.   My other children, Alan, Terry and Janice were instructed by Father Joy and later confirmed in Saint Matthews.

One of the things Father Joy loved was a good walk.   Easter Monday would see us away to Allendale or Allenheads and we would walk.  On one occasion I remember it was some 13 miles.

Other times we would process – in bare feet – over the causeway to Holy Island.   There was always a picnic and looking for beads on Saint Cuthbert’s  Island finishing off with a service, once in the ruins.

A special time was our visits to see the Franciscan Brothers up at Alnmouth, mainly to see Brother Alfred who was Ronnie Taylor’s brother.   Again, weather permitting, a picnic in the grounds and a service in the lovely little chapel.

Wonderful memories.

Father Joy will never be forgotten.  

I will always hold him in my heart as a true friend and my priest.  

Our condolences go to Father Joy’s family.

Home page: http://stmatthewsnewcastle.org.uk/