Village News

Pastures New for Patrick

Our Rector of St. Margaret’s, Revd Patrick Bateman, will be leaving the parish of Chipstead this year for a new life in the north of England. Patrick has been appointed as Incumbent of All Saints Church, Ilkley, in the Diocese of Bradford, and will take up his new appointment in December, 2012.

Patrick will be rejoining Bishop Nick, formerly Bishop of Croydon, who is now Bishop to the Diocese of Bradford.  The Licensing Service will take place at All Saints Church, Ilkley, on Saturday, 8 December 2012 at 3pm. Bishop Nick will be officiating.

Perhaps Patrick’s greatest achievement during his 6 years as Rector of St. Margaret’s, and reflecting his tireless campaign to introduce more children into the Church, is the building of the new Junior Church, an idea conceived by his predecessor, Revd John Gooden, and successfully brought to a conclusion.  This building, now named The Orchard, is now complete and will be officially opened on Sunday, 9th September at 3.30 by Bishop Jonothan of Croydon.  All are welcome.

Although Patrick is not leaving us just yet, the CRA, on behalf of the residents of Chipstead, wish him and his family good luck in their new life and our very best wishes.