Who is the Verger?

Everything that happens in Lancing College Chapel – from the remarkable school Eucharists and the musical life to the quiet welcoming of appreciative visitors –depends upon the presence of the Verger.

We have been very fortunate to have enjoyed the devoted service of a succession of experienced holders of the post. In recent years, their profile has been younger and their responsibilities greatly diversified. In the six years he has been with us, Andrew Wynn-Mackenzie has expanded the role and enhanced his own professional expertise and influence. In 2017, for the first time, the job specification incorporated the role of ‘caretaker’ which had previously been taken for granted. Andrew assists with maintaining the fabric of the building as well as cleaning, refurbishing and improving it for daily use. He supports the Choir and musicians and the Friends of Lancing Chapel, ensuring a safe welcome for visitors, pupils and staff. In this he is helped by an enthusiastic team of volunteer guides and by Sue James. His main task, however, is to assist and support Fr Justin in the celebration of the liturgy and to ensure that the Chapel is a place of continuing prayer and worship.

Jeremy Tomlinson, Steward of Lancing Chapel

My life in the Church started when I was seven years old. A man came to my primary school and asked a group of us to sing a well-known nursery rhyme. He was actually the Director of Music at Cirencester Parish Church and I was then invited to become a chorister there, in the heart of the Cotswolds, where I was for just over 13 years. I also studied Performing Arts at Cirencester College.

During my time at Cirencester I thought ‘What am I going to be later in life?’ A bus driver? A stage performer? A vicar? A friend introduced me to the Vergers at Gloucester Cathedral, and I had a very happy time working behind the scenes there. It was a job where people would turn up to a service, see it set up and then later come back to the Cathedral and it had magically disappeared! As well as the theatrical effects, there was something quite mysterious about the job which I enjoyed. Occasionally heard but not seen was the key! Also, it is something quite special to know you are looking after an ancient building for others to enjoy for years to come.

My first employment was as Verger at Hereford Cathedral where I spent eight years furthering my career, joining The Church of England Guild of Vergers who provide support for our work. It was there I met my wife, Louise, who volunteered at the Cathedral.

We moved to Lancing in August 2017 and from the welcome we were given by Fr Richard Harrison, Jeremy Tomlinson and the Head Master, we knew we would soon be very settled in the College community. Louise was employed as the College’s Admissions Database Officer a few months later. I was shown

Verger Verdict

around the Chapel by former Verger, Roger Frewin, and given a taste of what life would be like if we moved from the Herefordshire countryside to the Sussex coast. I had been used to being part of a large team and knew it would take time to get used to lone working. I also knew I had the sole responsibility of looking after a famous Sussex landmark which is the beating heart of a school.

My day is varied, and no two days are the same. I assist Fr Justin at the altar in the morning. I could then be leading a tour for a coach party, helping pupils rehearse their readings for the Whole School Eucharist or on the Chapel roof, some 150ft up, clearing the gutters and admiring the glorious views (if it isn’t too blowy!). I am also very lucky and grateful to have Sue James, the Chapel Cleaner, who always goes beyond the call of duty to assist me and the work of the Chapel. Many visitors remark how clean and welcoming the Chapel is.

2021 was a special year for me as I (finally!) finished my Guild of Vergers diploma, after several years working on it! I collected this at the Guild conference in Great Malvern and wear my academic hood with pride during our Friday Evensongs in term time.

Being a verger is a vocation. The varied tasks from day to day, some of which are pastoral, take time, care and dedication and fill you with an enormous sense of achievement. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far at the College as a Verger and know that I can continue to grow in my profession as the years go on.

Andrew Wynn-Mackenzie, Verger of Lancing Chapel

Andrew is very much a ‘verger plus’, going out of his way to support the life of the Chapel in worship through enabling the smooth running of services and working closely with the sacristan team, in welcoming visitors and overseeing the team of guides, and in his care for the fabric of the building. I am very grateful for his friendship and support – he and Sue are such good colleagues and I look forward to many years of us working together!

Fr Justin Pottinger, Chaplain