A SERVICE was held at St Thomas-on-The Bourne parish church on Wednesday, October 18. to celebrate the new ministry of Reverend John Morris as vicar of the Bourne and Tilford.

In attendance were The Bishop of Dorking, the Right Revd Dr Jo Bailey Wells, the Archdeacon of Dorking, the Venerable Paul Bryer, and the Area Dean, Rev Jane Walker.

The St Thomas’ choir of over 50 choristers and gentlemen inspired the congregation with their singing of the anthem ‘Let all the world in every corner sing’. with words by George Herbert and music by Ralph Vaughan Williams and other well-known hymns led by director of music, Rob Lewis.

Organist Julian Cooper played pieces such as the Finale from Symphony No. 1 by Vierne with his usual skill and aplomb.

Representatives of the local community, including the Mayor of Farnham, Mike Hodge, welcomed the new incumbent and his family, and the congregation of the Bourne and Tilford parishes gave them a spontaneous and warm round of applause.

There was a reception at the church after the service.

Rev John Morris began his working life at the Royal Radar Establishment, Malvern but soon discovered his vocation to the priesthood. He trained at Lincoln Theological College and was ordained in Brecon.

He served curacies at Morriston, Swansea and in Herefordshire. His first incumbency was also in Herefordshire.

He went on to serve as a chaplain in the Royal Navy, travelling all over the world from Antarctica to the Arctic. He passed his commando training in 1996 and served in various posts with the Royal Marines Commandos including Northern Ireland and Afghanistan.

On leaving the Navy, John was chaplain to Lord Wandsworth College before joining Exeter Diocese where for the last two years he has assisted in a variety of roles.

His wife. Gillian. is a primary school head teacher. They have two children, Abigail, who works as a medical writer, and Charles, who plays cricket for Worcestershire County Cricket Club.

At the end of the service a collection was made for the Bishop of Guildford’s Foundation, a charity set up to give practical help to those with social needs, those who are marginalised or those who are victims of injustice.

For more information visit the website: www.bgf.org.uk.