Big Birthday Celebrations in Chippenham

30 September 2009

St Mary’s in Chippenham was full for a wonderful thanksgiving Mass to mark Parish Priest Canon Desmond Millett’s 80th birthday. 

The Mass was followed by a busy bring and share buffet in the parish hall where parishioners took the opportunity of thanking Canon Millett for all that he does for the community

Parish Secretary Maeve Opie said: “The whole evening was a truly happy, parish family occasion even if low key!  A great time was had by all who came to the Mass and in the parish hall afterwards.”

Canon Millett is a well respected member of the Chippenham Churches Together and there are few people in Chippenham who have not heard of him.  All who meet him are impressed by his infectious humour as well as his caring, thoughtful attitude to everyone with whom he comes into contact - the staff and patients at Chippenham Community Hospital certainly an vouch for that.

As well as celebrating the Canon’s special day the parish marked the 90th birthday of Frances Davis, the parish Sacristan and a stalwart of the parish.  She was presented with a very special blessing at the Mass.  Frances was quite shocked to receive her Papal Blessing which was presented to her at the end of the homily by Canon Millett.  Her children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren were there too which was another surprise for her.

Michael Connor supplied cliftondiocese.com with the pictures in our image gallery on the right.