© 2008-
The Licensing of the Rev’d David Pickering
August 2009
Article by Dawn Brown
The church, set in the grounds of Kingston Bagpuize House and returned to the community by the widowed owner, was
full of people from all three parishes, and
a wonderful turn out from the Holy Cross
congregation ensured it was filled to the
brim. The licensing service was led by the
Bishop of Reading, a real down to earth
character, who gave a very inspiring
sermon, and the installation by the
Archdeacon of Berkshire. All the hymns
were sung with such beauty and energy
by both the congregation and the small
choir. John and Bernie Parsons were also
there to give their support to David, who
was so greatly pleased to see so many
familiar faces. Any fears he had of his
new position were surely erased by the
wonderful, and so friendly, welcoming
congregation that now awaits him.
After the service, we were very fortunate to be invited back to Kingston Bagpuize
House for drinks and nibbles to round off a perfectly lovely evening, and a journey
so well worth making. David, Pip & Johnny all seem so very happy at their new ministry
as priest-
St John the Baptist Kingston Bagpuize
After an arduous journey, gracefully blessed with stories from Ron’s
World War 2 experiences, we finally arrived at the village of Kingston
Bagpuize, surely a piece of Heaven’s garden set here on earth. We
arrived in good time to enjoy this quaint part of English heritage,
before setting off to the small and extremely beautiful St John the
Baptist church, one of the three parishes (Fyfield and Tubney are the
others) that David will very soon be giving his unique sermons to.
David Pickering