I am very sorry to announce the death of the National Chairman of the Walsingham Association, Barbara Knight, on Monday 6th March.
Barbara had spent the weekend in Walsingham for the Spring Meeting of the WA and returned to her home in Swinton, Yorkshire on Sunday afternoon.
She had thoroughly enjoyed the weekend which included a discussion meeting on Saturday and a gala buffet that evening. On Sunday Barbara led Stations of the
Cross in the Chapel of Reconciliation and then read at Mass. She was particularly pleased to do this using the Stations new to the Chapel of Reconciliation given by
the Archdiocese of Liverpool.
Barbara in the words of the rector, Mgr John Armitage, was a remarkable woman. She had a great devotion to Our Lady and to Walsingham. One of the
founding members of the Ryedale Branch of the WA she was first elected National Vice-Chairman in 2012 and then served as National Chairman, her term of office
ending this coming November when she would have been succeeded by the current Vice-Chairman, Jenny Thomson. Jenny will now be acting chairman till the
AGM in November.
Barbara`s energy and enthusiasm were boundless, even in the face of considerable health and mobility issues. She did not grumble: she just got on
with life and got things done. A true Yorkshire woman she combined strong views with a great sense of humour. I am fortunate to have worked with Barbara and
count her as a friend. She was a great support to me when I was appointed National Secretary and steered me through my learning curve. I will miss her
enormously. Only recently the executive committee of the WA celebrated her seventieth birthday at supper in Elmham House.
Mgr Armitage remembered her at Mass today, the Feast Day of Saint Felix, the secondary patron of the Diocese of East Anglia. Details of funeral
arrangements will be posted when we are made aware of them.
May Barbara Rest in Peace and Our Lady of Walsingham pray for the repose of her soul.
Julian Foord,Walsingham Association National Secretary