When we first came here as a family in September 1989, I don’t think we had any idea how long we would stay. But looking back over those 19 years, I am very aware of the enormous part that St Thomas’ has played in the lives of our family.

Rosemary and I celebrated both our Silver and Ruby Wedding Anniversaries here. On 1st August 1992, I had the privilege of giving my daughter, Tracey, away on her marriage to Nick. The Service was conducted by the Bishop of Bradwell (Bishop Derek Bond) on the very first day of his retirement. I will never forget walking down the aisle with the church packed with members of the congregation who had come along to wish them well!

Fourteen years later (on 22nd July 2006) I was to conduct the Wedding of our elder son, Sam to Sarah. I was once again moved by the support given by so many members of St Thomas’ Church. On both occasions the choir, servers and bell-ringers offered their services, and the church was full as friends from the congregation joined our families for the occasion.

I also had the privilege of Baptising both my grandsons (Joel and Samuel) in the Font at St Thomas’. And on more sombre occasions conducted my mother’s Funeral, and my father-in-law’s Funeral mass in our church. Both my mother (Louise) and my father-in-law (Will) had spent many happy years as members of St Thomas’ and were given a great deal of support from members of the church.

PASTORAL SERVICES

During the time that I have been at St Thomas’ I have conducted 544 Baptisms, presented over 400 candidates for Confirmation, taken 126 Weddings, and lost count of the number of funerals I have taken. It has been a great joy and privilege to have been able to play a small part in the lives of the parishioners at special times in their lives – to literally 'rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep'.

Pilgrim Travel Club

I have always felt that the setting up of the 'Pilgrim Travel Club' has been a significant feature of my ministry here. It has enabled us to arrange Pilgrimages and Parish Holidays together with Coach Outings and Theatre Trips – all of which have been very well supported. During my time at St Thomas’ I have organised and led 24 holidays (including 6 Pilgrimages to the Holy Land) and 34 theatre trips. These have enabled us to get to know each other better and to build a much stronger sense of fellowship within our large congregation.

THE '61' CLUB

The setting up and organisation of the '61' Club for the older members of our congregation has been something that Rosemary and I have very much enjoyed – and we are very pleased that this will continue after we have left. We have very happy memories of the various outings, barbecues, strawberry teas and Christmas dinners that we have shared – most of which was captured on video by either Alan Grange, Derek Argent or Julian Ryley – who are all members of the Club!

CIVIC ROLE

I have very much enjoyed organising various Civic Services – including Civic Carol Services, Remembrance Sunday Services, and a special Service of Thanksgiving when Brentwood received the Royal Charter to become a Borough, complete with our own Mayor. I have been privileged to be invited to share in a variety of civic events, including the Mayor’s Annual Dinner (at which I have on three occasions been one of the guest speakers). I have also been delighted to work closely with Brentwood Borough Council in my role as Chairman of the Council for Voluntary Service.

TOWN TWINNING

In May 1991, I went with Bernard and Pat Francis to Roth, to set up a parish link with the 'StadKirche' as part of Brentwood’s Town Twinning initiative. Since then we have had parties from Roth and St Thomas’ exchanging annual visits. A number of our congregation have been involved and, as a result, close friendships with our partners in Germany have been formed. Rosemary and I have many happy memories of the generous hospitality that we have received during these visits!

WHAT WILL I MISS MOST?

There are a number of things that I will miss most when I leave St Thomas’. One of them is undoubtedly the marvellous music. I have worked closely with David Rooke over the last 19 years as we have worked together to build up the music tradition at St Thomas’. We have shared a common vision and a close friendship, and I will always have a deep respect for David’s commitment and professionalism.

I will also miss terribly the children – both in our church and our schools. As a former teacher I have always been deeply committed to working amongst children and young people. To see both our schools develop and flourish to the very high standards that we see today has been a great joy to me. Although it has been hard work, I have very much enjoyed and valued being Chairman of Governors. It has been a great privilege to have worked with so many dedicated and talented head-teachers and teachers, together with a very committed group of governors.

But Rosemary and I will also miss very much the friendship and support of every member of the congregation. I have never known a church where there has been such a sense of purpose and genuine love for each other.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

Some time in late October or early November we will be moving into our new home at Steeple View, Laindon. (We will leave our address and telephone number so that those who want to keep in touch with us can do so!)

It is going to be quite a challenge to move from a five-bedroomed spacious vicarage to a tiny two-bedroomed house, but we are pleased that we will be close to our family, and near enough to Brentwood to keep in touch with local friends.

We will, of course, be joining another church. We are to become members of St Peter & St Paul, Hockley – where I hope to be able to assist Fr Jeff Woolnough in a kind of 'Fr Ossie' way.

'FAREWELL'

I will be preaching my final Sermon to the congregation at the 10.00am Mass on Sunday 21st September and then my 'Farewell Mass' will be on the following Sunday (28th) at 4.00pm followed (I understand) by refreshments! I do hope that you will all come (children too – as there will be children's activities arranged during the Service). It will mean a great deal to both Rosemary and me to have you all there at my final Service as Vicar.

This will be the main Service of the day. The 8.00am and 10.00am Masses will be said without the Choir present.

Finally, will you please pray for us as we begin a new stage of our lives. In return, we will always remember you all in our prayers, with much love and affection.

Father Bob