A warm welcome to the Revd Richard Lonsdale Chirbury Hills Benefice

There was a palpable sense of warmth and community spirit at St Michael and All Angels Church, Chirbury, on Monday 5 October, as family and friends,  clergy and members of the local parishes gathered to mark the Collation and Installation of the Revd Richard Lonsdale as Rector of the Chirbury Hills Benefice and as Rural Chaplain.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Mrs Anna Turner, attended the service with her husband, accompanied by Katherine Garnier DL and Fiona Rogers-Coltman DL.

Richard’s Collation was conducted by the Right Revd David Thomson, Assistant Bishop, followed by his Induction and Installation by the Revd Stephen Griffiths, Assistant Archdeacon of Ludlow.    One of the special moments in the service was the presentation of water, bread and wine, a Bible and a Wellington boot, each with its own significance. The Wellington boot represented Richard’s role as Agricultural Chaplain and his close connection with the farming community and rural life.

The formalities were followed by a wonderful celebratory supper, with sandwiches, cakes and plenty of other delicious nibbles. It was a lovely opportunity for everyone to catch up with friends and share in this important occasion, bringing a happy end to a memorable day.

Mrs Turner said “It was a pleasure for The Shropshire Lieutenancy to have been part of the warm welcome to Rev Richard Londsdale as the new Rector and Rural Chaplain of Chirbury, the deep sense of community spirit was reflected in the feast that followed, provided with sentiment by members of the congregation”. 

Photographs taken by the Bishop’s Chaplain at Hereford Cathedral