MBE for Lions Vicar

MBE for Lions Vicar Canon Owen Beament, Vicar of All Saints, Hatcham, and Chaplain to Millwall Football Club, has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours list for Services to the community in Deptford and New Cross.

The Rev. John Francis, Hon Curate at All Saints, says: "Fr Owen has been our vicar for over 26 years and has been pivotal in the growth and development of the community locally in Deptford and New Cross."

Millwall FC Press Officer Deano Standing "couldn't think of anyone who deserves a gong more! Fr.Owen has worked tirelesssly and unsung for the community and for the club. He's almost part of the furniture at the stadium and the training ground - always recognisable with his dog-collar and always available to players, staff and supporters. Even people with no religious beliefs have respect for him".

Owen Beament was ordained in 1964 and has served in Southwark Diocese throughout his ministry - in Deptford, Peckham and Vauxhall before coming to New Cross in 1974. He was made an Honorary Canon in 1997.

He was clearly embarassed by 'all the fuss'.

"I am very lucky to have one of the best jobs in the Church - chaplain to Millwall and a great parish to look after" he said.

"Governor of Battersea"

This was the title given to His Excellency Peter Simmons, High Commissioner for Barbados, on Sunday 26 November at Christ Church and St Stephen, Battersea, following a service to celebrate the 34th anniversary of the independence of Barbados.

The High Commissioner had just raised the national flag of Barbados on the church's flag-pole where it flew for the following week. The High Commissioner's "new title" was mentioned by the Master of Ceremonies at the reception in Christ Church Hall.

The service (photo above), organised by Winston and Glendine Dottin, members of Christ Church Battersea, was attended by some four hundred Bajans and friends and was conducted by the Vicar, Canon Peter Clark.

The address was given by the Rev. Winfield Collins, a Barbadian who is Chaplain of Pentonville Prison. Music was provided by the Aria Gospel Choir and the Barbados Nurses' Association Choir.

News of the service received extensive coverage in the Barbadian national press. Afterwards, the High Commissioner wrote to the organisers: "I passed through Battersea one evening last week and it warmed the cockles of my heart to see the 'Broken Trident' (the flag of Barbados) flying proudly."