Note: This information was first posted here March 2006
and revised and updated March 2007.
Note: There are two branches of the A.C.W. (Anglican Church Women) at St. Peter's Cathedral—the Binney Group and the Inglis Group. These groups take their names from former bishops of the Diocese. Bishop Charles Inglis was the first Bishop of the Diocese of Nova Scotia (with episcopal jurisdiction over Prince Edward Island). He was bishop from 1787 until 1816. Bishop Hibbert Binney was the fourth bishop of the Diocese, serving as bishop from 1851 to 1887. Bishop Binney was instrumental in the establishing of St. Peter's Cathedral Parish.
The St. Peter's Cathedral Binney Group is a very active group of ladies, who meet twice a month for business meetings, and undertake numerous fund-raising events for the parish. Together with the Inglis Group, they provide "refreshments" at numerous parish events, meetings, etc. Printed below are highlights from the Binney Group Report for the Year 2006, as presented at the Parish Annual Meeting in February 2007.
The Binney Group of St. Peter's Cathedral completed an active and fruitful year in 2006. Fifteen meetings, plus one executive meeting, were held during the course of the year, with an average attendance of ten members.
The year began with the Binney group assisting with ticket sales for a spaghetti dinner at Smitty's Restaurant with the "GASP" Girls' group. In February, Binney hosted a successful chicken dinner, greatly enjoyed by all parishioners. March brought the annual World Day of Prayer fellowship and service which was attended on our behalf by Valerie and Rachel Harris. On the Fourth Sunday of Lent in March, our group distributed 100 flowers to the women of our congregation to mark Mothering Sunday. In April, the annual Holy Week lunches were provided in conjunction with the Inglis Group, the proceeds being forwarded to St. Monica's Home in Jamaica. A core group of Binney hosted a lunch for Clericus during April, and Marjorie Vessey attended a food safety course on behalf of our ACW, which was sponsored by the provincial government. An annual report from our group was submitted to the Provincial ACW Diocesan Board at this time for their annual meeting in May.
The two-day Mammoth Fudge Sale, now our most profitable fund-raiser, was held just prior to Mother's Day in May. A dinner to accompany the DCS meeting at our church was catered to by Binney toward the end of the month. Our group normally adjourns at the end of May for a summer recess, but an exception was made in 2006 to enable a lobster banquet to be held during the Theological Conference at our cathedral. The event was conducted with assistance from the Men's Association at the close of June. Officially, the group adjourned for summer on May 29th with a luncheon at Papa Joe's.
In September, Binney regrouped to plan a series of fall activities. A popular Jiggs Dinner was served in October, and the annual Christmas Bake Sale took place in mid November. We closed 2006 with a December meeting and a Christmas Dinner at the Charlottetown Rodd Hotel.
Donations made in 2006 to charities and church-related activities included the following: Family Services Bureau, Upper Room Angels, the Discretionary Fund, Anderson House, Pat and the Elephant, and Island Hospice, as well as substantial contributions to the Building in Faith Campaign and general church revenues, details of which can be found in the annual Treasurer's Report. Funds were also given, in appreciation, to our retiring sexton, and to support a church member's attendance at the Anglican Youth Summer Camp in New Brunswick.
In addition to the above major events of the year, the Binney women continue to support many other groups and endeavours within church life. Members assisted at the church auction, and organized the cake auction held at this event. Binney continues to stock the kitchen, organize Sunday coffee hour, and in 2006, helped with some supplies for the nursery. Funeral receptions are hosted when requested by families, and outreach is extended through cards sent regularly from the group to recognize and honour events in the lives of parishioners.
To conclude this report, I express my thanks to the members of the Binney Group for their untiring effort and contributions in support of our church. It is a pleasure to work with you, and a privilege both acknowledged and appreciated.
Report submitted by Ann Francis, President
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Slate of Officers for the Year 2007
President - Ann Francis
Vice-President - Catherine Edward
Secretary - Betty Acorn
Treasurer - Betty Blake
Past President - Sylvia TaylorReturn to St. Peter's Cathedral Home Page