Graham Francis Wilding

10 October 1929 - 19 March 2023

Roger Wemyss Brooks writes: ‘My good friend Graham Wilding made his last Communion at an Old Rite Mass shortly before dying peacefully at home in Stowmarket in March this year. This was the end of a life of Faith centered on the traditional liturgy that he loved.

‘I knew Graham for several years, principally in the service of the Altar – at Spanish Place, completing crosswords in the Sacristy with Linda Helm; at Farm Street in the House Chapel with Fr John Edwards SJ on Saturday mornings; at First Friday Mass at Uxbridge and First Saturday Masses in Westminster Cathedral; at Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane, where his first Requiem was offered by Fr John Scott; at St Mary Moorfields for many Triduum ceremonies; at the refurbished shrine of Our Lady of Willesden, and at many places where ceremonies required experienced, prompt and dignified serving.

‘Nothing was too much trouble for Graham; he gave his time generously, especially to support and encourage younger men, an example to all.

‘Seeing his trim figure at the altar inspired confidence, especially in large or unfamiliar sanctuaries.

‘Few knew that Graham had been ordained to Subdeacon orders before he met his wife. This enabled him to help greatly at High Mass ceremonies. He also said the traditional Breviary, often comparing notes with Gordon Dimon.

‘In his later years Graham retired from Harrow to Stowmarket to be near his family. Here he travelled greater distances to reach Old Rite Masses, often being helped with a lift from fellow traditional Catholics. The arrival of Fr Henry Whisenant at Withermarsh Green was a blessing for East Anglia and Graham was happy to be able to serve Father's Low Masses there.

‘I shall miss Graham greatly, both as a good friend and a devout Catholic, a stalwart supporter of the Latin Mass Society for many years.

Requiescat in pace

Frederik Stone , who served for many years as Chairman of Una Voce Scotland, died on 12 October. Euan Fairholm, the current Chairman, paid tribute to him saying, "Fred was serving on our committee until his death and his contribution to UVS and the traditional movement in general cannot be overstated. It is a contribution which spans decades and he will be sorely missed by not only myself and the committee but by a great many who knew his qualities both home and abroad". RIP.