We are pleased to announce the appointment of Revd Dr Jane Sutton as our new Rector.Revd Jane was licenced and installed by Bishop Michael at a special service on 19th January 2023 in our sister church at Westonzoyland which was attended by over 100 people. We've known her for many years as she completed the first year of her training in our benefice and we are delighted to welcome Revd Jane back to the parish.
Reverend Chris Keys retired as Rector of our Parish at the end of February. At his last service with us special prayers were said for him and his family. At the end of the service Malcolm Friend paid tribute to him, thanked him for 14 years work in our parish and presented a John Lewis voucher to him on behalf of the PCC and congregation. Chris was also given a number of individual gifts including this stunning watercolour of the Church, painted by Tom Jacobs from Combwich. Chris and Lorraine have moved to Norfolk to be close to their family, including grandchildren, so they will be kept very busy. Goodbyes are never easy especially as it leaves Chedzoy and Westonzoyland benefice without a rector. This period of vacancy, known as an interregnum in the Church of England, is the usual practice to allow planning for the future. While there is a vacancy, services at Chedzoy church continue as normal - 9.00 am for Holy Communion or 11.30 am on the first Sunday of the month - with visiting clergy and worship leaders. Please join us if you can.
The doors themselves are 17th or 18th century, but were boarded up internally sometime in the 1960s and the entrance fell out of use. The restoration work has seen the doors repaired and preserved, the surrounding stonework and threshold restored and the entrance brought back into use.The work was paid for by a generous grant from Historic England, memorial donations and individual donations from villagers. Our thanks to everyone who contributed. Thanks also to the contractors, Crowstep, for such an excellent piece of work. Our photo shows the doors before and after restoration.