Cyril Hilary Anderson O.P.(1920-1990)

Born on the 3rd December 1920 in Peckham Rye, Cyril Anderson felt called to the religious life from an early age. He was a postulant with the Carthusians at Parkminster but felt that his vocation was not within the monastery. He trained as an electrical engineer but still felt called to the religious life.

In 1939 he received the Dominican habit at Hawkesyard and made profession the following September. He would spend seven years at Hawkesyard during which he re-wired nearly the whole priory. His skills as an electrician would be displayed throughout his life and he would also re-wire the whole of Blackfriars Hall in London.

He moved to Woodchester in 1947 where he acted as school manager for ten years. He also taught music briefly at Llanarth but he returned to Hawkesyard in 1969 where he remain for another nine years. He had suffered from ill-health throughout his life due to a heart problem but his health deteriorated rapidly after he moved to Leicester in 1988 and he died in 1990, aged 69, with 49 years of profession.

Cyril was a quiet and self-effacing brother who was known for his gentleness, kindness and helpfulness. His life demonstrates the full and fruitful ministry of a co-operator brother. His skill as an electrician and his talent as an educator were great gifts to the province. He was also an accomplished musician and played the organ at both Hawkesyard and Woodchester.