Bishop of Buckingham remembered at Wycombe memorial service

His memorial service was held at All Saints church in the town on April 13, where more than 300 people attended in remembrance of the Bishop of Buckingham.

Bishop Alan passed away at his home in Great Missenden in February this year, where he had been preparing to go on a sabbatical.

The funeral took place at All Saints Church in High Wycombe (Image: Ed Nix)

He had planned to retire from the role in 2025, after serving as the Bishop of Buckingham for over 20 years.

His ordained ministry was within the Diocese of Oxford as a curate in Eynsham, Vicar in Caversham and Sandhurst, Area Dean in Sonning and then Bishop of Buckingham.

Bishop Steven, who gave the sermon, said: “It was very good to gather with so many from across Buckinghamshire and beyond to give thanks for Bishop Alan’s life and to celebrate his ministry.

“There are many memories to treasure: his gift of stability in ministering in a single place and diocese for so long; his sense of justice for oppressed individuals; his humility; his vision for education and good schools; his sharp wit and his dogged determination.”

Hundreds of people were in attendance (Ed Nix) (Image: Ed Nix)

Bishop Alan’s son Nick recalled his ‘hearty and full-bodied laugh’ which he missed.

He said: “There are not enough people like dad in the world and that makes the lack of him hurt a little bit more.”

The congregation launched into spontaneous applause at the end of Nick’s words.

They were joined by local dignitaries including the Lord Lieutenant Countess Howe, local MPs, as well as the Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, the Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Olivia Graham, the Bishop of Dorchester, the Rt Revd Gavin Collins and members of the Buckinghamshire Area team including Archdeacon of Buckingham, the Ven Guy Elsmore and the Bishop of Buckingham’s Chaplain, the Revd Canon Rosie Harper.

Rt Revd Dr Alan Wilson died in February (Image: Ed Nix)

Alan’s family has set up a fund for donations in his memory.

These will be divided between One Body One Faith and MACSAS (Minister and Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors): www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/alanwilsondonations.