Rector to move after 14 years in West Berkshire

The Rev Julie Ramsbottom is to move to Finchampstead later this year

THE rector of several parishes in West Berkshire is to leave her post after 14 years in the role.

The current rector of West Woodhay with Enborne, Hamstead Marshall, Inkpen and Combe, and priest-in-charge of Kintbury with Avington, the Rev Julie Ramsbottom, is to move to Finchampstead later this year to become the priest-in-charge and rector designate for two parish churches.

In her new role, Mrs Ramsbottom will lead the uniting of St Mary and St John's Church, California, and St James' Church, Finchampstead, as one parish - something she has previously experienced in her current role.

The 57-year-old, who will take up the post at a service of licensing later this year, said she would be extremely sad to leave her current role behind.

She said: “I have been here 14 years and I love my parishes and parishioners.

“It has been a thoroughly superb ministry here, but if I am going to move at all, I need to do it now and take up what is a completely different challenge.”

The Archdeacon of Berkshire, Norman Russell, appointed Mrs Ramsbottom and he said she would bring a wealth of experience to her new role.

He said: “The Rev Julie Ramsbottom has been quite exceptional in her leadership of a raft of small village parishes in West Berkshire.

“Formerly independent parishes are now working together cooperatively without losing their distinctiveness and Mrs Ramsbottom has become a much-loved and well respected Rector across the communities she serves.”