Latest Vicar's Letter

After nine years as Vicar of Eaton Bray with Edlesborough I am retiring. By the time you read this, I will have had my final service on 26th April, and will be frantically sorting and packing up ready for the big move back to Yorkshire. When I first applied for the post, this was not an area of the country I was familiar with, although Dave had played cricket in Eaton Bray many years ago. It has been a pleasure to get to know you all, become part of the life of the four villages, and to lead St Mary’s Eaton Bray and All Saints’ Dagnall as Vicar. Much has happened during the past 9 years.

In 2018, the Parish welcomed the first curate in living memory, Revd Dr Stephen Burge. As a self-supporting minister, Stephen continued with his secular job whilst also ministering amongst us. He enjoyed it so much that he stayed on as Assistant Priest for four years after his curacy ended. St Mary’s celebrated 800 years as a Parish Church in 2019 with the visit of HRH Richard, Duke of Gloucester along with the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Bishop Richard and local schools. We had a wonderful day and the tree which was planted in the churchyard is thriving.

During the next couple of year, the Covid Pandemic changed all our lives overnight. We had to find new ways of being church with the building closed initially, and then partially opened. That led to the purchase of a livestream camera to share services and we now livestream our worship weekly. You can find information on the church website.

Post Covid, it has been wonderful to participate again in the many community events which take place in our villages. Edlesfest, organised and run by the Friends of the Church on the Hill, is always a great event, with fabulous music in the beautiful surroundings of St Mary’s Church, Edlesborough. St Mary’s Village Carnival is a remarkable community get together with so much to do. Over the years it has faced challenges including Covid, weather and the World Cup, but it continues to raise vital funds for St Mary’s Eaton Bray and other local good causes. Dave and I have enjoyed Quiz nights in Eaton Bray village Hall and our team even became quiz champions on one occasion!

Of course, the main commitment of a vicar is to lead the people in worship. We gather week by week, and at the great Christian festivals of Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, and Harvest. It is always a great joy to conduct baptisms and weddings and share with people on such happy occasions. It is also a real privilege to take funerals and pray with people at times of challenge and sadness.

It will be a huge change for me to retire from full time ministry after nearly 34 years. But I will continue to be a priest and get involved with the local church in our new village. I’m pleased to say that in the past few years two retired priests, Chris and John, have moved into the parish and together with Catherine Hayden, Church Warden and the Parochial Church Council they will be helping during the Vacancy. It may be a while before a new incumbent is appointed, but you will be in safe hands.

Thanks to everyone for their support during my ministry here and I wish you all God’s richest blessings.

Joy, Vicar of Eaton Bray with Edlesborough