Rector of North West Hampshire Rev Canon Christine Dale retires after 21 years
The rector of North West Hampshire the Rev Canon Christine Dale has retired after 21 years in the role.
Around 260 people packed out St Martin’s Church in East Woodhay on November 30 to attend a special Evensong service to say farewell to the beloved community figure.
Canon Dale was inducted into the benefice – which is part of the Diocese of Winchester and oversees St James’ Church in Ashmansworth, St Michael & All Angels Church in Crux Easton, St Thomas’ Church in Woolton Hill, St Michael & All Angels in Highclere and St Martin’s – in November 2002 and was married to her husband Simon in St Martin’s a year later.
She said: “Ministry in these parishes and our diocese has been a wonderful privilege and a great joy.
“I have loved all the highs, the lows and the humdrum of ordained ministry and I have much appreciated working with some wonderful colleagues, and been ably assisted over time by two faithful dogs.
“Now the cycle of ministry here must turn.
“As I retire I look forward to finding out what God has for me next, and perhaps to pursuing my interest in calligraphy and art.
“Thank you and ‘praise God from whom all blessings flow’.”
At the Evensong service, the Bishop of Basingstoke David Williams delivered the sermon, and tributes were made to the outgoing vicar by St Martin’s School headteacher Katy Bartlett, Bishop Williams, area dean the Rev David Roche and her husband.
A benefice spokesperson said: “The evening was a very fitting tribute to all that Christine has achieved during her 21 years as rector, not just during all the regular Sunday services that she has taken, but through her work with the countless families she has touched: in the schools, preparing and performing baptisms, weddings, funerals and other pastoral work.
“We all owe her an enormous debt of gratitude.”
The Schools of Woolton Hill also held a farewell assembly for Canon Dale on November 20 to say thank you for her support and contribution for more than two decades as a foundation governor.
At the assembly, pupils had the opportunity to share their own personal messages for the reverend.
Max, age 10, said: “It is always great to hear you telling stories from the Bible.
“You tell them in a really clear and entertaining way that we can easily understand.
“We have often wondered how you can learn them all off by heart.”
Headteacher Paul Davies added: “Canon Christine has been a huge part of our community over the past 21 years and has touched many, many people’s lives.
“We can’t thank her enough for everything she has done.
“From regular uplifting assemblies to celebratory events around occasions such as Christmas and Easter, to helping cement the school’s federation and ensuring Christian visions and values continue to run through everything we do.
“She will really be missed by us all. We wish her a fond farewell and good luck.”
Following Canon Dale’s departure, the benefice has now entered a period of interregnum during which the churchwardens will work with the diocese to identify and recruit a new rector.
Associate priest Chris Hancock and licensed lay minister Suki Coe will lead services across the five churches in the meantime.
