ST MICHAEL’S Church, Abingdon, was packed in 1979 with husbands, wives, parents and friends who watched 38 people being confirmed by a former Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev Cyril Bulley.

The candidates came not only from St Michael’s but from Marcham, Shippon and Newbury, their ages ranging from nine to middle aged.

Father Keith Kinnaired, priest-in-charge of St Michael’s, said: “We were pleased to have the service in our church as confirmations usually take place at St Helen’s.”