On Weds 29th April at the Minster, Revd Nigel Candelent was installed as the Vicar of the Benefice of Ilminster and Whitelackington by the Bishop of Bath and Wells, The Right Reverend Michael Beasley. It was a joyous occasion with a congregation of clergy from the area Deanery, the Archdeacon of Taunton, The Venerable Simon Hill, people from both churches and the local community, including the Mayor and representatives from the town council. Both Herne View Primary School and Wadham School were represented with Head Teacher of Wadham School, Richard Burgas and the Assistant Head Teacher of Herne View, Andrew Whitfield reading from the Bible. The minister adult choir, under the guidance of Director of Music Peter Mackay, led the worship with the Ilminster Junior choir, led by Alison Appleyard, singing a beautiful song, ‘Come and Join in the Party’. Rev Nigel was supported at the service by his wife Liz, close family friends, clergy colleagues and members of the congregations from his previous ministry in the Dunkeswell Mission Community.

Rev Nigel said, “it was a very special occasion which was an excellent way to start my ministry here in Ilminster and Whitelackington. Liz and I have been grateful for all the cards, gifts and messages of encouragement we have received from our previous ministries and from the churches that we now join. Thank you to the mayor who presented me with a wonderful, framed picture of the Minster which now hangs on our wall at the Vicarage. It was a real joy to see so many people at the service and wonderful to have the evening opened by the Minster Choir performing, A new Commandment. It was also so lovely to have the Ilminster Junior choir join us and sing so beautifully. Liz and I are very excited at the prospect of journeying with you in this next season and getting to know you all in time.

Prayers and blessings

Rev Nigel and Liz Candelent