ESBVM

Revd Prebendary Norman Wallwork’s neat and lovely summing up of Reverend Gerald Tedcastle’s importance in a range of ways was the first to speak of our sadness at learning of the death on 9th September 2012 of Gerald at his home on The Wirral in his 80th year.

Norman observed that “Gerald delighted in being a keen supporter and Patron of the ESBVM. He was a formerly Deputy Chair of the Liverpool Methodist District, an Assistant Minister at Wesley’s Chapel in London, a Chaplain to the City University and a Freeman of the City of London. Throughout his life he was a staunch defender of the Wesleyan Catholic tradition. May he rest in peace and rise with Christ in glory”.

One of our distinguished Methodist Patrons, Revd Dr.John Newton O.B.E. conveyed his deepest sympathy via Mrs Rachel Newton to Gerald’s family and to the ESBVM.

As Hon Gen Sec, Father Bill, OSM had spoken by phone with Gerald about a month before his death and had written a brief note to him following on from that to offer prayers and good wishes from the ESBVM. On behalf of the whole ESBVM he now offers “deepest sympathy to all members of the ESBVM in our loss for the Society is the poorer for his passing as well as the Methodist community and his own family. Prayer of thanks is offered for one who always offered the society such a gentle and wise support.”

Father Victor Cassam from the Anglican tradition in the Church of England within the ESBVM acknowledging the sad news of “Ted’s passing” said “We met only rarely but always got on very well at a personal level when we did. He represented all that was best in the Methodist tradition and is a great loss to the Society as well as to his Church and family….It is a salutary reminder of the passing years to note that he and I are the same age!”

Revd William Ritchie from the Anglican tradition in the Church of Ireland within the ESBVM expressed sadness at the death of this good friend.

The entire ESBVM Council wishes to express the sympathy of the ESBVM to Gerald’s family.

Mike Russell of the ESBVM North-West branch advised us that the funeral arrangements are on Thursday, 27th September at noon, in the Shrewsbury Crematorium where his mother and sister Diana both had their funerals from Shrewsbury and Mike hopes to be able to attend and has been asked to represent both the North-West branch and the whole society and it is sincerely hoped others might manage to be there. Norman Wallwork advises us that a Memorial Service for Revd Gerald Tedcastle will take place at Trinity with Palm Grove URC/Methodist Church, Birkenhead on Saturday 3rd November at 3 p.m. at which Revd Prebendary Norman Wallwork has kindly agreed to represent the ESBVM Council and our society.

May Gerald come to that full share in the Resurrection in the hope of which we all live and may he rest in Peace.