The Licensing of Fr Charles Keay


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The long awaited day that we had all been praying for finally arrived on Thursday 6th September 2007 when Fr Charles Keay was licensed as the priest-in-charge of the Alford Group of Churches. The service was led by the Rural Dean Fr Terry Steele, the Venerable Jane Sinclair (Archdeacon) and Bishop David, the Bishop of Grimsby.

Fr Charles has moved from Portsmouth with his wife Annie and son Rufus. He was supported at the service by his family, Annie’s family and many friends and mentors, most of them travelling great distances to share this very special occasion.

In a very topical sermon, Bishop David reminded us that Pavarotti had the gift of bringing his music to the people on their terms and the challenge for Charles was to take the church and God to the people of the Alford Group in a way that was acceptable to them.

Fr Charles was introduced to representatives of various local churches, schools, uniformed organisations and voluntary groups.

Lay people Georgie Richardson, Pam Maplethorpe, Pat Mowbray, Norville and Christine Willerton assisted in the ancient formalities of the service, and David Simcox did the reading.

The evening was rounded off with a splendid faith supper. A truly memorable occasion …. Now the work begins and we are all ‘up for it”.