People who have been selected because they have the potential to be “Vicars”, undergo a two part training which begins with some years studying through a distance learning course run by the C of E, or on a residential course at an established Theological College.

Having passed this first stage they then look for a parish where they can spend three to four years in a form of apprenticeship, learning “on the job ” with a training priest/vicar supervising them. The church calls these apprentices “curates”. This stage of their training is obviously extremely important because it is here that all the theory learned on their course is put into action and they begin to build up their skill and experience base. If this experience is incomplete or in anyway a “bad experience ” then that will be carried forward into the first parish where they are a vicar in their own right.

Because this stage is so important Bishops are very careful to match apprentice/curate, parish and priest so that it gets off to a good start. They and their staff look at the curate and their previous life, experience and hopes for the future (professional and personal). They then look at the parishes; communities and people, churches and schools, businesses and leisure. Finally they look at the suitability of the parish priest/vicar as a trainer, mentor and guide. All three elements must be right before the parish and vicar are approached and asked to interview the curate to see if they can give the necessary experiences to qualify him/her as a vicar in their own right.

I am very pleased to say that the above processes have quietly been underway in our parishes over the past six months and that we will getting our own curate in the summer! This is a tremendous complement to us all, because (whilst you may not have noticed) we have all been put under the microscope and our Bishops and their staff believe that we are suitable for this important role, and they will not have taken this decision likely. Our curates name is Chloe Kingdon who is married to Steve; they have four young children aged seven and under, and they currently live at Ripon College, Cuddesdon, where Chloe is finishing her studies…..they are very much looking forward to moving into the area and living and working among us.

God of the ages, we thank you for the trust you have placed in us in the form of your servant Chloe. Help us to be a guide and inspiration to her, that by our example and work we may properly prepare her for a life in the service of you and your people. Amen. Fr. Geoff

For all of us who are married, were married, wish we were married, or wish we weren't married, this is something to smile about the next time you see a bottle of wine:

Sally was driving home from one of her business trips in Bristol when she saw an elderly Somerset woman walking on the side of the road.

As the trip was a long and quiet one, she stopped the car and asked the woman if she would like a lift. With a silent nod of thanks, the woman got into the car.

Resuming the journey, Sally tried in vain to make a bit of small talk with the woman. The old woman just sat silently, looking intently at everything she saw, studying every little detail, until she noticed a brown bag on the seat next to Sally.

“What's in bag?” asked the old woman.

Sally looked down at the bag and said, “It's a bottle of wine. I got it for my husband.”

The woman was silent for another moment or two. Then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder, she said: “Good trade…..”

“I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.”

“I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.”

“I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.”

“I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life'.”

“I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.”

“I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a wicket-keepers glove on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back.”

“I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.”

“I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.”

“I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.”

“I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.”

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”