A report of our meeting held on the 27th September 2021.

Members of the Bridlington Augustinian Society have resumed their popular local history evening meetings.

The first meeting for over 18 months, began with a combined postponed AGM from 2020 and delayed AGM from March 2021.  Afterwards the Scribe with his usual insight and humour entertained the members with a potted history of the society.

One key outcome of the AGM was that, having missed a whole season, the Prior Maureen Bell, the Sub Prior Bro John Walker, and the members of the Chapter, and the roles they undertake, will continue unchanged until the 2022 AGM.

The Augustinians have not been inactive during the pandemic though.  To keep us entertained and informed a monthly magazine, the “Breviary” was introduced, ably edited by Michelle and Bro Frederick Stephens. So successful has this been that it is hoped to also produce issues during the 2022 summer recess.

In addition, it was reported that the society has dealt with 18 requests for information via its website so far in 2021 alone.

The Bursar Pam Quigley reported finances on an even keel with no need yet for an increase in subscriptions.

The Prior reminded members that the Augustinians should have been celebrating their centenary in style in 2020. Clearly this was not possible, but ideas for belated celebrations in 2022 are being discussed.

After the AGM, the Scribe, Bro Garry Sunley gave an illustrated presentation about the history of the society. The society was born out of the 1919 Peace Pageant which featured canons from the Priory monastic order. The society founders decided to use monastic terms for authenticity.  Bro Garry explained these, for example he is the “Scribe” and not “Secretary”.

Bro Garry has copies of all the Augustinian syllabi. He recounted some of the meeting subjects covered, the places visited and the research undertaken. The first annual membership fee was equivalent to just 12p.

The next meeting is entitled “Marina or Mirage”, the last piece of research by Bro Robin Sharpe who sadly died last year.  It will be presented by Bro Garry Sunley. Meanwhile, there is more from the Augustinians on their website and Youtube channel.