Local History

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HISTORY IN THE MAKING - CLAVERING'S FIRST WOMAN PRIEST

Clavering and its companion villages now have the first woman priest in its history and have given her a great welcome. Rev Margaret Davis is the new Priest-in-Charge of Clavering, Langley, Arkesden & Wicken Bonhunt with her husband Chris. She was licensed on Sunday 18 September 2011 in Clavering Church by the Bishop of Colchester, and installed by the Archdeacon of Colchester.

The Benefice had no vicar for over a year, and her arrival was much-anticipated, watched by a congregation of about 250 who packed into every pew - not only her new parishioners, but also a coach-load from her previous congregation at Abbots Langley in Hertfordshire.

A beautiful and impressive service included an opening peal of bells by ringers from a number of local churches, a procession of numerous clergy, ministers and the churchwardens of all four churches carrying their staves, an anthem by local choir Village Voices, and a welcome of applause from the whole congregation for the already-popular new incumbent.

In his address, the Bishop praised the Reverend Davis as a priest who, with her wide experience of an earlier career in the caring professions, would ‘cross boundaries’ and be a team leader in this challenging role. It is indeed challenging, for not only is she now in charge of four parishes but in a few years time will become jointly responsible with a new Newport incumbent for the Manuden-based parishes too.

The 90-minute service was followed by a ‘feast’ in the Village Hall where everyone had a chance to meet the new family from the Vicarage.

Photos of the great day by Peter Blomley and Jacqueline Cooper.

Images courtesy of Peter Blomley Photography

History Newsletter (Spring 10)

History: