Father Rob Licensing 12th January 2014 Geddington. Our former curate in the Gornal and Sedgley Team Ministry, Rob Parker-McGee, was installed as Priest in Charge at Geddington in Northamptonshire, near Kettering, on Sunday 12th January 2014. A large party of Gornal and Sedgley parishioners travelled to Geddington to attend his licensing ceremony. Chris and Liz Williams say: "We had a good journey with a short stop for coffee at Kettering and arrived at St. Mary Magdalene at about 2.20pm. Robert Wootton, with whom we had corresponded about the arrangements for the day, was there to welcome us and show us into the church. St Mary Magdalene is a beautiful church and we were made very welcome by the members of the congregation.
It was a surprise to see a familiar face on entering the church, that of Alan Thompson who had come with his daughter Ruth.
The service was conducted by the Bishop of Peterborough and the Archdeacon of Oakham. The patron of the benefice is Richard, Duke of Buccleuch. It was an uplifting service with good hymns and an address by the Bishop. Rob was welcomed to the parish by the Duke, the Bishop, the Dean of Peterborough Cathedral, one of the churchwardens, the head teacher of Geddington C. of E. Primary School, the local councillor and representatives of the youth organisations in the parish.
There was an amusing moment at the end of the service when Rob was led to the bell tower to toll the bell. Try as he would it took several pulls on the rope and some assistance before the bell rang.
Everyone was invited for refreshments in the school hall where we had the opportunity to speak to Duke Richard, who was very sociable, and other members of the congregation.
Despite a wet journey home we all reflected on an enjoyable day. We feel sure that Rob, Sarah, Jasmine and Thomas will be very happy in their new parish.
We arrived back in Sedgley at about 7.15pm."