On Sunday 14th September at Dorchester Abbey Steve Vickars was one of 14 people who received the award of the Fellowship of St Birinus. Steve was nominated by Gareth Miller, Kirtlington Rector and Area Dean of Bicester and Islip, for all his work over several years as Tower Captain of Kirtlington Bells. For his work in leading practices, training and recruiting not only at Kirtlington but in other towers in the benefice and further afield.
The Fellowship of St Birinus held its first meeting in May 2009 when the then Bishop of Dorchester founded the Fellowship with the support of the Rector of Dorchester Abbey. It is seen as a modest way in which people can be honoured who have given exceptional service in some way or other to their church and community over a number of years. Members of the Fellowship receive a certificate showing why they were nominated and a lapel pin badge showing the symbol of St Birinus.