Photograph by John Salmon
Photograph by Nigel Cox
Photograph by Nigel Cox
Churches Together Introducing the new priest in charge On what was possibly the hottest night of the year history was made at the church of All Saints in Melbourn when the Reverend Elizabeth Ann Shipp was licensed to be priest in charge of the parishes of All Saints Melbourn and Holy Trinity Meldreth. Elizabeth (or Lizzie as she prefers to be known) is the first woman priest in the long history of the church. The church was packed and there were representatives from Lizzie’s former post as Chaplain to the Bishop of Worcester. The service was led by the Bishop of Ely Stephen Conway and the Archdeacon of Cambridge Alex Hughes. The Bishop was accompanied by the four churchwardens Teresa O’Malley, John Price, Michael Galley and Roger Mellor. In the course of the service various sections of the two churches came forward with their gifts and at the end representatives from village organisations introduced themselves to Lizzie. Refreshments had been laid on in All Saints Community Hall where favourite amongst the drinks was cold apple and orange juice!
Mary Price After the service in All Saints Church on Sunday 10th July, the Churchwardens Mike Galley and Roger Mellor made a presentation to Mary Price on behalf of the congregation. During the yearlong interregnum (a time without an incumbent vicar) Mary has given generously of her time in keeping the services running smoothly in both Melbourn and Meldreth. Her calm and gentle approach has won the affection of everyone, she has conducted funerals and weddings with tenderness and sincerity. She has confessed, however, to being somewhat fazed at having to conduct the Crib Service which is unscripted and totally at the mercy of the behaviour of the donkey! Noah behaved perfectly and the service was as usual a huge success. Pauline Hay also gave Mary a bouquet of flowers as a token of gratitude. melbournmagazine
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