Our New Churchwarden

After the vacancy left by the departure of our excellent John Farrent, we recently had elections to find a replacement warden. It was a good contest with three fantastic candidates – Tony Baines, Rodney Giles and John Weedon. I am delighted to announce, after all the votes were counted, that John Weedon is our new churchwarden, who will work alongside our brilliant Dorothy.

Churchwardens are elected as the senior laypeople of the parish and congregation and they are the Bishop’s officers, admitted to office each year by the Archdeacon, on behalf of the Bishop. Their first responsibility is to the Bishop, usually via the Archdeacon. They, along with the parish priest, are then generally responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the parish. Churchwardens are vital to the health and wellbeing of our church communities. It is an important and, at times, demanding role. I did it myself for ten years, although not nearly as well as Dorothy, John F and John W, so I appreciate the amazing work they do. The Canons of the Church of England state that churchwardens shall be foremost in representing the laity, and in cooperating with the incumbent they shall use their best endeavours by ‘example and precept’ to encourage the parishioners in the practice of true religion and to promote unity and peace among them. They shall also maintain order and decency in the church and churchyard, especially during the time of services.

John brings a wealth of experience to the role, having been our churchwarden once before and so I’m sure you will join me in congratulating him, and supporting him in the years ahead.

Revd Nigel