Sylvia Kenyon

Sylvia Kenyon was born in Leeds and grew up during the Second World War. Her earliest memories of going to church are of attending the Claremont Road Methodist Church in Manchester with her grandfather.

In 1945 Sylvia’s parents moved to Chandler’s Ford in Hampshire, and when Sylvia’s father was called up and posted overseas, she and her mother started attending the local chapel. Soon Sylvia’s friendships and social life centre around church activities, and in this extract, she talks about some of her experiences.

Chandler’s Ford chapel 2.05′

Towards the end of her time at school, Sylvia became interested in social work and believes that she was guided towards a career in this direction. She went on to read Sociology at the London School of Economics. In this extract, she explains why she felt guided towards her career and how her faith developed during her time as a student in London.

Social Work  3.08′

Sylvia’s first job was in Winchester but in 1966 she successfully applied for a post at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford and moved to the City. She was 30, on her own and didn’t know anyone in Oxford but on her first weekend, she found Wesley Memorial and has been busy ever since!

Joining Wesley Mem 1.41′

Over time, Syvlia served on many other committees and also became a pastoral visitor. In the early 70s she was part of a committee looking at disabled access to the church – she was able to use her specialist knowledge from working in rehabilitation at the Churchill.

Over the years Sylvia has seen many changes to the way Wesley Mem looks and the way it’s run. Here she talks about those developments, how her faith has matured and what the friends she’s made through Wesley Mem have meant to her.

Changes at Wesley Mem 1.40′

Very sadly, Sylvia passed away in October 2020 after a short illness. She is much missed.

The spirit of Sylvia

Graduation Day

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Comments about this page

  • Thank you so much for your comments.
    We couldn’t agree more and hope that these recordings will bring some comfort to those who knew and loved Sylvia.

    By Alison Butler (02/11/2020)
  • So lovely to hear Sylvia talking about her early life and later her time in Oxford and Wesley Memorial. She will be very sadly missed by all.

    By Norma Ford (29/10/2020)

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