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Tower and Town, April 1981


Barney and Esme Hopkinson

You do not spend long in the company of Barney Hopkinson before you are very much aware of his acute and forceful personality. Ever since he joined the Ecumenical Team in August 197 5 he has been active in adding his gifts to those of other members of the Ecumenical Staff. The Family Service at St George's has proved a welcome expression of church life for parents with active and vociferous children, with a great sense of Christian enjoyment. St George's PCC and members have greatly appreciated Pirney's leadership in responding to the challenges of a rapidly changing society and of the search for true unity in Christ.

The Marlborough Christian Council and the Ecumenical Staff have benefitted much from Barney's ideas and enthusiasm. He has especially fostered links with St John's School and Marlborough College, while his share in the life of St Mary's has been greatly welcomed. Those who have taken the Bishop's Certificate course know how much they owe to Barney's knowledge and understanding.

In all this, and in his work as Rural Dean and with the ordinands and the youth work of the Archdeaconry, he has had the wholehearted backing of Esme, whose generous hospitality many of us have enjoyed. Esme has alos made a noteable contribution as Secretary of the Christian Aid Committee and as leader of the Preshute Evening Group.

We wish them, along with Rachel, Sarah and Clare, great blessings in the challenges and new interests of Wimborne Minster and Team.

Wilfred Down

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