Brenda was a good tutor for me when I was studying at Sarum College. She was knowledgeable, thought provoking and humourous. I valued her opinions and answers highly. May she rest in peace.
Brenda Gibson (28 Sep 1955 - 31 Jan 2019)
In loving memory of the Revd Dr Brenda Gibson who sadly died on 31st January 2019, following a lengthy illness with cancer.
Brenda, born in Northumberland, initially trained as a scientist spending six years at Durham University where she took her first degree, then carried out research work from 1977 to 1980, receiving her doctorate under the title, ‘Some kinetic, equilibrium and structural studies of the reactions of aromatic nitro-compounds with nucleophiles’. A further year at Cambridge University gained her teaching qualification. She moved to Wimborne in 1981 for her first post at Queen Elizabeth’s School. Her scientist and school teacher qualities showed throughout her life.
Former Rector Barney Hopkinson: “In the early 80’s the life of the Minster was much enriched by several enthusiastic newcomers. Amongst them was a slightly gauche young chemistry teacher from QE School with a wicked sense of humour. (When the Rector was installed as a Canon in Salisbury, she not only described it as ‘canonisation’, but presented him with a glitzy, but substantial, halo in the middle of the Cathedral; an event repeated for the following three Rectors). She very soon began to join in many of our weekday activities, and it became clear that church rather than school would eventually be at the centre of her life.”
Brenda joined the team of Minster Altar Servers and for a while was treasurer of the Minster Fair.
The next Rector Revd Canon David Price writes, “that in my time Brenda first trained as a Lay Reader and then at Salisbury for the Ordained Non-Stipendiary Ministry. Brenda was a gentle and reflective person whose great skill was as a tutor and many will be grateful for her guidance as they developed their vocations be it to lay or ordained ministry”. She studied on the Southern Theological Education and Training Scheme, Salisbury (STETS) and was ordained in 2004 (Brenda went on to be a Tutor with STETS). “She exercised a valued ministry in the Minster”.
Leaving Queen Elizabeth’s School in 1999 she efficiently ran the busy Diocese of Salisbury’s Area Office, looking after the Bishop of Sherborne and two Archdeacons. She always called them ‘Her Boys’.
Former Bishop of Sherborne the Right Revd Tim Thornton wrote, “I am so very sorry. Brenda was a lovely, careful, Christian woman who had a heart of gold and was always willing to do something for others. I really enjoyed working with her and it was a joy to see her ministering in the Minster which she so dearly loved. She taught me a lot about patience and noticing the small and what might seem unimportant and the need to spend time in God’s presence and the priority of listening to others. May she rest in peace and my prayers for Peter, her brother, and all of you at the Minister, as you come to terms with the loss of a friend and fellow pilgrim and disciple.”
Retiring from the Area Office allowed space for further study. Brenda was studying up to her recent illness for an MA in Christian Liturgy with her dissertation being on “Liturgical Changes at the Minster between 1870 and the present.” During her spare time she enjoyed reading, music and walking.
Brenda was an Associate Priest in the Wimborne Minster and Northern Villages Benefice and served as PA to Rector Revd Canon Vanessa Herrick. She writes, “Brenda was a committed and loyal colleague. Never one to put herself forward, she was nonetheless always ‘one step ahead’ with the planning of services, with an acute eye for detail and a profoundly well-developed sense of liturgical space – a ‘Canon Precentor’ in all but name. I deeply valued her pastoral wisdom and awareness of the Minster’s ‘story’ in years both recent and long-past. It was a delight to see her begin to emerge a little from her natural shyness during my time – in her fine conducting of funerals, her imaginative narrative preaching and even in an unforgettable performance of Rossini’s ‘Cat Duet’ at a Minster concert. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.”
Current Rector, The Revd Andrew Rowland writes, “We are sad at the loss of beloved Brenda but sure in our hope in the promises of God in Christ our Lord – a faith in which Brenda was secure. As a priest in the Church she was both a faithful servant follower and a leader in the Way of Jesus. Rev’d Dr Brenda had that delightful quality of being both humble and yet forthright. We loved her dearly. She is a considerable loss to us all at Wimborne Minster and in the Villages”.
Brenda leaves a Mother still living in Northumberland and her brother Peter with whom she shared a flat in Wimborne for very many years.
Minster flowers only; donations to Wimborne Minster PCC, which can be sent by way of a cheque payable to:
‘Wimborne Minster PCC’
Nicholas O'Hara Funeral Directors Ltd
38 Rowlands Hill
Wimborne
Dorset
BH21 1AW
Offline donation: donated in memory of Brenda
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Offline donation: donated in memory of Brenda
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Richard and I crossed Brenda's path in so many different ways, and we so appreciated her humour and her 'churchmanship'. We always felt her services were in safe hands, and we learnt much from her well-prepared sermons. I shall never forget her excitement when we arrived at Petra in the dark. It was still dark in the morning when she got up to say her prayers, but she had to keep breaking off to open the curtains waiting for the glorious sight of Petra in the dawn light. I have memories too of her presiding over communion at Gaddara in the vomitorium of the amphitheatre and a baptism on the River Jordan. Later we shared experience of going though cancer treatment at the same time. For me that was real support. She is much missed.
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I fondly remember chemistry lessons with Brenda (Dr. Gibson) at Queen Elizabeth's. Thank you for contributing to my education, and that of so many others. Rest in peace.
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What a wonderful example of worship in spirit and in truth Brenda gave us. Only the best was good enough for services when she took part. She loved poetry and used it sensitively in her sermons. She also put light-heartedness into festival days - whenever there was water to be sprinkled, as at Easter Day dawn service, she always made sure everyone got wet, especially the Rector! Thank you, Brenda.
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We remember dear Brenda with great affection. She was a loyal and faithful servant of the Minster for so many years and a very learned lady with a wonderful twinkle of humour thrown in. She was always very supportive of the music during my time as Organist and Master of the Choristers and a long time member of the Wessex Singers. We will miss her in so many ways, not forgetting her introductions and opening prayers at Wimborne Choral Society concerts. Chris and Pauline Dowie.
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Animal Blessing Service held in the Minster when the collection was taken for the PDSA.
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Just wanted to say if I may, on behalf of Brenda's friends and colleagues at the Diocesan Office in Salisbury, how very sad we were to learn of her death. She was a good friend to many of us and will be much missed. Her ready smile and enthusiasm for life were part of what made her so loved. We all send our condolences to those that mourn her. RIP Brenda.
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Offline donation: donated in memory of Brenda
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Brenda with Vanessa Herrick then Rector of the Minster after they had performed the Cat Duet as part of a concert in the Minster. They are depicted in the front of the photo with others who also took part in the Concert.
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We shall miss Brenda for her warmth and humour. Our thoughts are with Dorothy and Peter
Tim and Gill Place
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Brenda & I sang together in the Wessex Singers, music being one of her great passions. We also connected through Girlguiding, both being Queen's Guides, so she was not at all phased when I asked if we could put up a full size ridge tent in the crossing as part of our "Thinking Day" celebration in the Minster over which she presided. "Thinking Day", when we remember the founders of Scouting & Guiding, Lord & Lady Baden Powell, is celebrated each year on 22nd February. You got that bit right, too, Brenda! "Day is done, gone the sun" but you were such a sunny part of the Minster your memory will not go down. Rest in peace & rise in glory.
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Brenda was a valued colleague with a great sense of humour. She always gently guided me in the ways of the Minster. Colin and I also have fond memories of great conversations and laughter with both Brenda and Peter. May she rest in peace.
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Brenda was an inspiring colleague who brought great intellectual, liturgical and spiritual depth to the Minster. She had an unerring ability to discern what was really important and a lovely sense of humour that could reduce the clergy team to fits of giggles. I valued her wisdom and loved her friendship. It was a huge privilege and wonderful joy to share in the excitement of her ordination. I will always treasure the memory of the communion service she conducted in the amphitheatre at Umm Qais (Gadara) on our pilgrimage to Jordan and the time we spent together more recently, just before her final illness.
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Brenda was so friendly with the brightest of smiles and a great sense of humour. She will be much missed
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As Archdeacon of Dorset Brenda was my trusted PA for nine years. It was during that time that we rejoiced with her when she was ordained. Brenda was a quiet and thoughtful person. She had a sharp and keen mind from which we all benefited. I never had to proof read anything she typed. Indeed it may well have been the other way with Brenda ensuring that grammar and punctuation where correct. Always there was a book on the go. Never one to push herself forward she was someone who liked to serve in dimensions of life where she felt confident.
Brenda was in truth a well read theologian. The Minster, in many ways, was her life and she loved to help prepare and ensure its worship and community flourished. I know I speak for many when I say she will be missed.
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Revd. Brenda presents Revd. Vanessa with her 'halo' at her 'canonisation'
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Brenda, and Vanessa Herrick, bless the bushes at Pamphill near Wimborne with water following the traditional annual Bun Walk from the Minster on Good Friday March 2016.The blessing is to ensure that 'Hot Cross Buns' grow on the bushes the following year.
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We have known Brenda from the day she started coming to the Minster following her arrival in Town as a new Queen Elizabeth's School Teacher in 1981. We watched her grow in faith and involvement in the life of the Minster through to her Ordination and then her confidence both in Preaching the Gospel and Presiding at the Eucharist.
She will indeed be sorely missed by us all. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
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Brenda with the Town Mayor of the day Anthony Oliver welcomes the 'Romans' on their visit to Wimborne Minster in January 2008
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Animal Blessing Service held in the Minster when the collection was taken for the PDSA.
Brenda with Vanessa Herrick then Rector of the Minster after they had performed the Cat Duet as part of a concert in the Minster. They are depicted in the front of the photo with others who also took part in the Concert.
Revd. Brenda presents Revd. Vanessa with her 'halo' at her 'canonisation'
Brenda, and Vanessa Herrick, bless the bushes at Pamphill near Wimborne with water following the traditional annual Bun Walk from the Minster on Good Friday March 2016.The blessing is to ensure that 'Hot Cross Buns' grow on the bushes the following year.
Brenda with the Town Mayor of the day Anthony Oliver welcomes the 'Romans' on their visit to Wimborne Minster in January 2008
Dr Gibson with her colleagues from the 1992-1993 QE yearbook
QE Yearbook 1991-1992 "A Day in the Life of QE"
School choir QE Yearbook 1990-1991. Dr Gibson with Mr Bocking.
Stopping for some much needed refreshments on our pilgrimage walk.
Arriving at Santiago
Brenda was an inspiration on our Camino de Santiago trip 2016
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