New chair for Catholic Children's Society

Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor has announced the appointment of Bishop Arthur Roche as the new chairman of the Catholic Children's Society's (Westminster) board. At the same time, the Cardinal paid tribute to the massive contribution made by the Board's retiring Chairman, Bishop PhilipHarvey, referring to the Bishop's "twenty-five years of loyal and dedicated service" in leading the affairs of the charity. Bishop Harvey's involvement with the Society started in 1953, when he joined what was then known as the Crusade of Rescue, as assistant administrator. Ten years later he took the helm as its executive head, moving to the chairmanship in 1977 on being consecrated Bishop by Cardinal Hume and also being awarded an OBE for his services to child care. Director Jim Richards, said: "We very much welcome the appointment of Bishop Arthur Roche as our new chairman, especially given the important work he is doing in making plans for the development of the pastoral life of the diocese". Prior to being appointed Bishop, Bishop Roche was General Secretary of the Bishops' Conference for England and Wales.