Hungerford welcomes its new vicar

First new incumbent for 25 years

FOR the first time in a quarter of a century, Hungerford has welcomed a new vicar.

Father of two, the Rev Mike Saunders, is the new incumbent at St Lawrence Church.

He succeeds the Rev Andrew Sawyer, who was vicar between 1990 and 2015.

Parish administrator Catherine Le Poole said: “It was an absolutely spectacular evening – quite magical.”

Taking part in the installation ceremony, conducted by the Bishop of Reading, the Rt Rev Andrew Proud, and the Archdeacon of Berkshire, the Ven Olivia Graham, were Deacon Shirley Mackintosh; town mayor Martin Crane; Constable of the Town and Manor Susan Hofgartner; Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire Sarah Scrope; patron of the Dean and Chapter of Windsor, Dr Canon Houston Finlay plus three headteachers – Suzanne Taylor from the nursery school, Gerry Heaton from the primary school and Alan Henderson from John O’Gaunt School.

Mr Heaton raised chuckles by presenting Mr Saunders with his first ‘blue merit badge’.

As pupils and parents know, there are five to collect – and Mr Saunders was told he must earn the rest in the coming years.

Mrs Le Poole said: “It was wonderful to see the 30-strong choir proceeding down the pathway to the church then sweeping down the aisle. It was a very moving moment.”

Mr Saunders then shook hands all round as he was welcomed to the town by civic leaders and was presented with gifts, including a huge, engraved key.

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He then proceeded round the church and symbolically touched the door while promising to faithfully lead his flock.

Mrs Scrope summed up the feelings of the assembly when she said that the future of the congregation of St Lawrence’s Church was “in safe hands”.

Mrs Le Poole said: “The clergy from the Newbury deanery also turned out in force to support Mike.

“The church was packed to full capacity and the reception party afterwards in the Town Hall was buzzing with excitement.

Mr Saunders, married to licensed lay minister Alison, has spent the past 14 years as the incumbent of St Mary’s Church in Eversley, Hampshire.

He succeeds the Rev Andrew Sawyer, who was vicar at St Lawrence Church between 1990 and 2015.

Mr Saunders said after the induction ceremony and welcome party: “The bishop spoke of how we each have a gift or skill to bring to the life of the church and thus make a contribution to the team – the body of Christ.

“And I would love for everyone to in this town to be able to reach their full potential.

“This releases us to be free from some of the fears that inhibit us from being who we could be. I look forward to serving the needs of the people of Hungerford.”