NEW VICAR FOR ST MARY WITH ST ALBAN CHURCH, TEDDINGTON
PHOTOS BY FRED SQUIRE
TEDDINGTON has a new Vicar of St Mary with St Alban Church, The Reverend David Cloake who was inducted at a special service last night attended by senior members of the the clergy, local dignitaries and a packed congregation.
The ceremony was carried out by The Right Reverend Dir Emma Ineson, The Bishop of Kensington and his induction was accompanied by all the legal oaths required for the induction of the new Vicar, whose wife and twin daughters also attended.
Warm words of welcome were delivered by Councillor Suzette Nicholson, Mayor of Richmond, Anna Khan, Chief Executive of Welcare, representing the voluntary sector, Helen Swain, headteacher of St Mary’s & St Peter’s Church of England Primary School and local MP Munira Wilson.
Recently the church has launched a £1million fund-raising campaign to upgrade on-site facilities with a Garden Room with large windows, kitchen facilities, toilets and a new digital organ.
The Reverend Cloake said: “I write with warmest greetings to you all as we prepare for our move to Teddington. As you know, we won’t be journeying far to be among you – but I thought that it was time that I introduced my family.
“First, my wife Joanna – known as Jo. Jo is a solicitor and currently works for a well-known government schools inspectorate. Next, and in no particular order I introduce our daughters Jessica and Rebekah.
“Having just completed their GCSEs, they are looking forward to progressing to their A Level studies. If you cannot tell them apart when you meet them, don’t worry – neither can I and yes, they are identical twins! We come equipped with a mutt, a bunny and (at the last count) a couple of fish – oh, and the two cats!
“At the time of writing, I am conscious of how much has already been done by you to ensure our smooth transition to the parish and it means the world to us.
“I come to you at God’s invitation, St Mary with St Alban’s Churchwarden’s acceptance, and with a family who are my greatest God-given blessing. Together we are very excited (and humbled) to be chosen to be among you.
“We look forward to getting to know all of you in the years to come.”
For information about the church and events and services go to: https://www.teddingtonparish.org/news/new-vicar-announced/
