History of the Chaplaincy of Poitou-Charentes

The beginning of the ChaplaincyChaplaincy of Christ the Good Shepherd – where it all began. Rev. Charles Prothero, a retired Canon, and his wife Joan had lived in La Rochette (16) since his retirement from Exeter. He had obtained permission from the RC Bishop of Angouleme to celebrate an Anglican Communion Service twice a year; Easter and Christmastide. In 1992 an Easter Holy Communion was celebrated in their village church. The only other Anglican services in the region during that time were in Cognac, when the Anglican Chaplain of Acquitaine would visit from Bordeaux three or four times a year. In the middle of the 1993, Charles and Joan moved to Salle de Villefagnan (16). The move, ably organised by Ian Penny, was assisted by various members of Charles’ congregation in a fleet of cars and trailers. It certainly had its hilarious moments….! Charles subsequently obtained permission from the Bishop of Angouleme for the occasional celebration of Holy Communion in the local (Catholic) church which occurred at Easter and Christmas for the next few years. By now it was becoming apparent there was a growing interest in active Anglican participation. The number of English speaking expatriates (mainly British) was rising steadily. Several home groups had started up supported by Charles, the Chaplain from Bordeaux, David Gerrish, and some retired clergy and lay readers. In 1997 Charles became seriously ill. Sadly, we attended his funeral in April of the following year. By now, thanks to much active support from David Gerrish, the congregations in Cognac, Salle de Villefagnan and latterly in Brillac (16) were growing. 1999, saw a major change of gear. Encouraged by David, an embryo council was formed on a bitterly cold day in the Salle des Fetes at Salle de Villefagnon. A week later, this embryo council met chez les Beech and we were told the encouraging news that ICS was now taking an active interest in our development. They were going to send out a representative to take a sounding of potential support for the establishment of a fully fledged Anglican Chaplaincy in the region. John Larmuth remembers meeting him at a supper given by the Doors. John was much encouraged by what he had to say. In June 1999 there was another council meeting after a cheerful lunch in the garden chez les Beech. We were introduced to the Rev. Michael Hepper. Two months later, Michael celebrated Communion for the first time at Salle de Villefagnan on a warm early September day. After the service, we all stood around outside the church enjoying a celebratory drink. A pattern of regular services followed and on the 13th December, the first “Nine Lessons and Carols” was held in Civray church with a congregation of some 250! Three days later, at Salle de Villefagnan 120 attended Christmas Communion, followed by a very enjoyable “pique nique” in the Salle des Fetes. The Chaplaincy, if not official yet, was on the way….! John Larmuth