Hello everyone,
As I write this page the sun is shining and I have just come back from the ‘Party in the Park’. This was a very good way for all the churches to spread out into the community. A large number of people attended and seemed to have enjoyed the afternoon.
This month, I asked our curate Steve if he would like to answer some questions and give us some background information about himself. Here is what he had to say:-
I was born at a very young age, in London. My first home was in Blackfriars, then we moved to Lambeth. We lived there until I was about 10 or 11 years old, then we moved to Rye in East Sussex, then down to Devon when I was about 17. I have always been keen on music, and joined my first choir (St George’s Metropolitan Cathedral, Southwark) when I was 8, then when we moved to Rye I joined the choir at St Mary’s, where I began to learn the organ. I first began to feel a call to the priesthood whilst at St George’s, but first explored my vocation whilst at secondary school. It was about the time I was studying for my GCSEs; we all had an interview with the careers advisor to discuss our future. I told her that I wished to become a priest. I am not sure that she quite knew what to say or recommend, so she telephoned Lambeth Palace and I remember her passing the receiver to me and speaking to a nice gentleman there — not the Archbishop, I think! — and he asked me what I was interested in. He recommended that I focus on music for a bit, as I seemed to be enjoying that, then I could go forward for selection. That is, basically, what I did, but I focussed on my music for a while longer than anticipated (about 17 years!) before going forward for selection.
I studied music at Exeter then Bristol universities, and was involved with lots of music, playing the organ or shaking my fists at various choirs and choral societies in Exeter and Taunton. I played mainly at Broadhembury, Payhembury, HMP Exeter (as a visitor, not an inmate!) and at Crediton. At university I was the organ scholar at the chapel there, then Director of Music at St Michael’s, Mount Dinham and Choral Scholar at Exeter Cathedral, before I returned to Crediton as Director of Music. Before I went to train for ordination at St Stephen’s House, I was a teacher at the Maynard School in Exeter.
1) How are you enjoying being a Curate in Tavistock?
I am really enjoying living in Tavistock and serving as an assistant curate. Every day is different and there are lots of things going on at various times, and yet every day is begun and ended with prayer, providing a good, regular rhythm to the day too, which underpins whatever else is going on. Caroline and I (and Henry too!) have been made to feel welcome and feel very lucky to be here and in this friendly community.
2) How are you enjoying life as a Father?
Being a father, like being a deacon, is not as bad and as terrifying as I had anticipated! It is an enormous privilege. Henry is a constant source of wonder and amazement—a great gift.
3) Do you enjoy listening to what the Vestry Group have done on a Sunday morning. If so, why?
I do enjoy listening to the Vestry Group, especially when they sing something, or I can see their artwork. The Christmas show was excellent and I was very pleased to have been invited to take part in it.
4) Do you feel the Vestry Group have an important role within the Church?
The Vestry Group is vital to the Church and plays a very important role—they are the future! They play an important role because they are an example to us slightly older ones. They are unafraid to question and explore the faith with joy.
5) Are there any ideas that you have for the Vestry Group in the future?
More of the same, please…..reading, making, drawing, singing, acting, making us laugh….perhaps a day trip, to see the Cathedral or simply a walk and a picnic might be fun?
6) What do you do in your spare time?
What do I do in my spare time? Sleep! I still enjoy music, I also read as much as I can and have just started dabbling in beekeeping. As for the future, I wish I knew more practical things about motor car engines and welding—then I might know how to look after my ageing Morris Minor better.
I look forward to returning to all of my Church duties next month when my exam period will be finished.
With love, Martha x