05.12.2022
Tributes to Sylvia as she hangs up her Diocesan Minutes Book
Tributes flowed to Dublin & Glendalough’s retiring Diocesan Secretary, Mrs Sylvia Heggie, on Thursday evening (December 1) as members of Diocesan Councils gathered to say farewell. Sylvia will retire at the end of the year after 17 years of service to the United Dioceses, first as Assistant Diocesan Secretary and then as Diocesan Secretary.
Leading the tributes, Archdeacon David Pierpoint, thanked Sylvia for all she had done to assist him and for being such a good friend to him. “I know that you will be sorely missed but that you will be at the other end of the phone if needed. Thank you for all you have done for the dioceses,” he stated.
On behalf of the Honorary Secretaries, Derek Neilson, thanked Sylvia for her commitment, friendship and advice. “It has all been done with a smile on your face. Thank you on behalf of us all for everything you have done for the Church of Ireland in the United Dioceses,” he said.
Archdeacon Pierpoint also brought greetings from Archbishop Michael Jackson who expressed his appreciation and admiration for everything Sylvia has done willingly and effectively.
“Sylvia has given of her commitment and her expertise selflessly for the work of God and God’s church in this place through a half–time post and on a half–time salary,” the Archbishop stated.
He continued: “Throughout my working association with Sylvia, I have seen at first hand that positivity is her watchword. She is a can–do person and a problem solver. Members of the Diocesan Councils have seen only a fraction of the extensive work that Sylvia has done throughout her time of service. Generations of individuals and office holders in parishes throughout the dioceses, as well as a wide range of clergy and Readers, know how important it has always been to Sylvia to be helpful and to be fair–minded in her office”.
He wished her, her husband Brian and their family well in her retirement.
In response Sylvia thanked the Archdeacon and Archbishop for their kind words. She thanked members of Diocesan Councils for letting their names go forward for membership of what she observed was a very important committee in the dioceses.
“I am retiring with mixed emotions,” she commented. “I have enjoyed my time working for the dioceses immensely but I feel the time has come for me to retire and enjoy different aspects and interests in my life. I want to thank the Honorary Secretaries Derek Neilson and David Caird. I am deeply grateful for your kindness, knowledge and support and your commitment to the dioceses over a long number of years.”
She said the Archdeacons of Dublin and of Glendalough meant a lot to her. They were wonderful to work with and were very supportive. She thanked the Archbishop for his support and knowledge and for making time for her despite his large workload. “There were challenging times and sleepless nights but nothing that could not be achieved. I am pleased to report that I am leaving the dioceses on a firm financial footing in a changing landscape,” she said before thanking her work colleagues.
Archdeacon Pierpoint presented Sylvia with a piece of jewellery and a token of their esteem for her. She was also presented with a magnificent cake to mark her retirement depicting the Diocesan Minute Book, the Book of Common Prayer and the Church Hymnal.
