Bath: reception celebrates Catholics in performing arts

Frank Finlay - current CSG member

The annual Bath Catholic University Chaplaincy summer reception was held at the Mansion House, Prior Park College. Headmaster, Mr James Murphy O'Connor, nephew to the Cardinal, was present, with the headmaster of Downside, Dom Leo Maidlow-Davis, OSB.

Retiring Vice Chancellor, Professor Frank Morgan, was thanked by University chaplain Fr Bill McCloughlin OSM, for his great support to the students. Other guests included: the Deputy Mayor of Bath, the wife of the High Sheriff of Somerset, Mrs Yvonne Cullum, mother of celebrity pianist Jamie Cullum, and Olympic gold medallist, athlete Jason Gardener MBE, nicknamed “The Bath Bullet” and many students.

Guest speaker was Michael Slater, Master of Ceremonies of the Catholic Association of Performing Arts, (formerly known as the Catholic Stage Guild) which is celebrating its centenary this year. Past and present members include many famous names such as: Eamon Andrews, Ian Bannen, Cyril Cusack, Frank Finlay CBE, John Gregson. Sir Alec Guinness, Sir Ralph Richardson, Brian Murphy, Michael Williams KSG, Michael Robbins, Moira Lister, Patricia Hayes and her son - present chairman Richard O' Callaghan.

Michael Slater was presented with the Pro Ecclesia medal by Cardinal Murphy O'Connor two years ago. He spoke about CaAPAs contribution to student life in London. Over the last 25 years they have sponsored a final year drama student, presenting them with the Alec Guinness Award and also sponsor a showcase for students from the London Gower Street Chaplaincy, facilitating a performance at the Club for Acts and Actors in Covent Garden each November.

Fr McCloughlin said: “It was a delight for the university communities along with our honored guests to hear Michael Slaters' fun presentation peppered with anecdotes and stories from the world of theatre. CaAPA was presented as of importance and of benefit to young performers for whom the inspirational lives of so many greats are influential for our students engaged in Higher Education in Bath and we can hope that some may benefit in the future from CaAPA's Alec Guinness awards.”

Michael Slater said that he was impressed by the strong theatrical focus amongst the students, and the facilities of the Slade Theatre, opened by Sir Cameron Macintosh. “It was a privilege to speak in such beautiful surroundings and to be shown such hospitality,” he said.