March 2021 News & Notes

Bishop Nicholas Holtam retires in July after 10 years heading up Salisbury Diocese [Dorset & Wiltshire]. He had previously been at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, London where social action blends with worship and the arts. He expressed that mix through our 'Pray, Serve, Grow' vision. We shall miss his wise leadership. Bishop Karen Gorham will stand in on his departure. May he have a fulfilled retirement away from the huge responsibilities he has carried so well.

Facebook evolution of Canon Tim's posts will include links to regular services being recorded by a video team. On his retirement Tim will no longer post but the site will be available to look back at several hundred comments made during Covid 19.

In April we hope to use churches again for worship. Services at St Andrew and St Osmund on Easter Day and the following Sunday [Tim's last] will be ticketed so, if you would like to be considered for a seat, please contact Shirley Mitchell on 837147 or weymouth.ridgeway.team.office@gmail.com

We continue to monitor local cases through the https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/interactive-map, and will only open if numbers are low.

A farewell to Tim and Sue West will take place once Covid is at bay. No date or details yet, but watch this space. Pork scratchings and beer may feature!?

Funeral teams have received vaccinations as part of the rollout to those encountering significant daily Covid risk. They have been fantastic, welcoming, and thoughtful. The crematorium even has relaxing fish swimming about in a corner of the foyer next door to the rather functional Covid trolley.

February 2021 News & Notes

James Menzies to be licensed by Bishop Karen Gorham on 21 February as the new Team Vicar in the Weymouth Ridgeway Team. He will have particular responsibility for the life and worship of St Francis Littlemoor and the pastoral care of that community. He will continue in his role as Assistant Rural Dean of the Weymouth and Portland Deanery, and some time after Canon Tim West retires James will be 'rectified' to lead the Team. We look forward to this exciting new chapter in our lives.

A huge thank you to all who made the Christmas season so different and so special. We could sing with our hearts if not our voices, had opportunity for some quirky decorations, and enjoyed banter. The heart of the story with Jesus showing us God in human form was at the centre of all we did. This month we focus on signs of hope.

Use of our church buildings is permitted under 'lockdown 3' but, having monitored local case numbers, all Ridgeway church buildings are closed except for local arrangements allowing private prayer. Meanwhile a huge shout-out for those involve distributing, administering vaccines, and training people involved.

'Four candles' seeks new home as Canon Tim retires from ministry in April after 40 years of 'vicaring'. His Advent stole has plenty of life in it yet, so if you know a priest who would like it let him know!