SODBURY Vale’s new vicar has been officially inducted into the parish.

The institution of Rev David Bowers into the benefice took place on Wednesday (July 13), led by the Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Revd Rachel Treweek.

Mr Bowers, formally the vicar of South Cerney since 2008, takes over from Rev Jane Kenchington who left the parish last year and has been widely welcomed after a lengthy period with no rector.

He becomes team rector for St John’s Church in Chipping Sodbury as well as St James the Elder in Horton, St Adeline’s in Little Sodbury and St John’s in Old Sodbury.

Mr Bowers, originally from Salford, worked as a civil servant for three years before being ordained. He worked in parishes in Manchester, Bolton and Rochdale before moving to the Gloucester Diocese in 1998, where for 10 years he was associate director of Ordinands as well as vicar of a group of parishes near Tewkesbury.

He said he and his wife Judith, a nurse in Malmesbury, have moved to Chipping Sodbury and are looking forward to immersing themselves in the community.

“I was very encouraged by the profile produced during the vacancy as you sought a new leader and, as well as quickly finding my way around and getting to know the churches and communities, I shall work with you to take the areas you identified as priorities forward,” he told parishioners.

“For example in outreach and continuing to work together as a benefice.

“As we look to the future, we are also of course part of the Diocesan ‘journeying together’ Discernment and listening process with Bishop Rachel.

"As we seek God’s way forward, both as a benefice and as a diocese, I would very happy to listen to your views, hopes and vision.”

He added: “Above all, we are called as Christians to reflect God’s love and hospitality to all people, and for me this means we always seek to be inclusive and generous in our welcome to all, as well as collaborative in recognising that all God’s people share in the work of ministry in various ways.

“It also means that we are outward-looking, both locally in our communities and in recognising that we are part of a worldwide family.”

Bishop Rachel said: “I am excited and expectant about all that lies ahead for David and the benefice.

“It was a great service of welcome and wonderful to see many people present from all aspects of local life; family and friends of David, representatives from the council and of the local schools.”