This was an AGM with a difference! For the first time it had been decided by the Council that it should be held at the Dilmun Club on a Monday evening rather than as previously on Cathedral premises after service on a Sunday evening - and it was a great success. The fact that the meeting was followed by an excellent buffet dinner only helped to add luster to what was an excellent meeting with interchange of views.

Before leading us all in prayer Dean Alan opened the evening with a short but meaningful homily on the meaning of our existence in Bahrain as a Christian community.  He emphasised the fact that we are Ambassadors for Christ, and that we are not just ‘members of a group’ but are ‘a Christian family’ who through our worship together, our homes, our work and our time with others, can help to spread the Gospel, bringing others to know Christ as their Saviour and Lord. Dean Alan also paid tribute to all who assist in the work of the Cathedral, particularly praising the staff.

There were a number of changes in the Council membership caused by resignations and departure from Bahrain. Tribute was particularly paid to Michael Grieve who is retiring back to the UK thus ending his long time as a communicant, with time on the Council and as People’s Warden. Both he and Cheryl will be greatly missed on the Council.

Michael Ross–MacCall as Treasurer gave an excellent and very concise report of the accounts for 2007 which showed that financially the Cathedral remains ’solvent’. In spite of the relatively small number of congregants we are blessed with very positive offertory giving, which considering the fact that we have no external financial support is a great blessing. However, another blessing is the fact that the premises are ’let-out’ to other congregations every day of the week—without this income we could not exist!! The very positive input from fund raising events mainly spear-headed by Angela Murray was also unanimously acknowledged. Michael gave an excellent presentation and needless to say he was unanimously voted back into office for a further year.

Les Young as Dean’s Warden once again gave a very wide-ranging and concise report of the work of the Cathedral during 2007, giving prominence to and praising the moving installation ceremony of Bishop Michael. Again needless to say, Les was voted back onto the post of Dean’s Warden.

Paul Hamilton as Awali Warden gave a short but very concise report on the life of the Saturday morning Awali congregation which has grown considerably over the year. Paul also of course remains Council member responsible for ’works and bricks’, a post which he has so admirably filled for a number of years, ensuring that the buildings are well maintained.

As stated, the evening ended with a buffet dinner which was as always in the Dilmun Club - excellent, and thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The following is the composition of the new Council :-