Message from Eileen Thompson

Dear St Martin’s family,

Warm good wishes as you prepare for the coming of your new priest. I am looking forward to journeying with you over these next three to four months and to getting to know you. My first Sunday with you is 20th June but from now on I am here for you and contactable on 0131 315 4928 or eileencthompson@gmail.com. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need anything.

Eileen

St Martins has appointed The Reverend John Vincent as its new priest in charge.

Ordained into the Church of England in 1987 and served for 16 years in the Diocese of London as a curate in Hampton and Shepperton and vicar of St Philip and St James, Whitton. Diocesan roles included Communications Advisor to the Bishop of Kensington and a member of The Bishop’s Council. John joined the Army in 2003, serving as a unit chaplain to 9/12th Royal Lancers, followed by postings to 5 Regt RA, The Infantry Training Centre Catterick, 1 MERCIAN and Joint Service Signals Unit. He then served as Brigade Chaplain to 101 Logistic Brigade, 42 Brigade and Army Headquarters North West and 7 Infantry Brigade (The Desert Rats) and Headquarters East. John has been on operational tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and worked abroad in Germany, Cyprus and Kenya. He is currently Senior Chaplain London District and Chaplain to The Household Division. John has an interest in bereavement within the military community, having written a thesis on operational deaths and the continuing bonds of grief, and is currently chaplain to The War Widows’ Association. John is married to Karen, an advance nurse practitioner and they have two grown up children, Martha who lives in Birmingham and Wills who lives in Manchester. In his spare time, John enjoys writing, recording and performing music and played bass guitar and double bass for many years on the jazz and corporate circuits. Once rules allow, he hopes to be performing again. Other interests include (though not necessarily in order) greyhounds, art and real ale. John will be installed in St Martins on Thursday 23 September.