Text Box: On Friday, 29th October, the investiture of the Reverend David Lewis as Rector of the parishes of Overton, Penley and Erbistock took place at St.Mary’s , Overton. The ceremony was carried out by Bishop John of St Asaph and the Archdeacon of Wrexham. There was a large attendance, with members of the Overton, Erbistock and Penley churches present along with many of the area clergy, many other members of the community and also people from David’s previous parish. There was of course a great deal of formality, but the atmosphere was a warm one and David was welcomed not only by the church dignitaries, but by representatives of the Community Council (Josie Ralphs), the local Catholic church (Marjorie Moraghan) and the local Methodist church (Mrs. Austin). The evening was rounded off with a lovely spread of sandwiches and other tasty bites – congratulations to the ladies who worked to produce such a generous spread. David and his family ( Sue his wife , and son Christian ) have now moved into the village and are looking forward to serving in this parish. They are “delighted to be living in a rural village with a sense of community” and would like to thank everyone for their warm welcome. David is a graduate of the University of Keele, having entered the ministry after working with charitable organisations ( latterly the Leonard Cheshire Trust ). He trained in St.Michaels, Llandaff, was a Curate at Llangollen, before taking the position of Vicar of Southsea, Bwlchgwyn and Berse. When asked about his ambitions for Overton St. Mary’s, David’s reply was that he would like to ensure that the church was always regarded as open, friendly and warm. He said that he would like people to feel that they can come along and be welcomed at St.Mary’s.

Investiture of new Rector By Euan Stevenson

Outside of a busy work schedule, David’s interests are in walking, reading and cinema

(in his address, Bishop John had already shared with the congregation one of David’s secrets – that he is a keen fan of “Dr. Who” !).

The “Oracle” would also like to welcome David and his family to Overton, and trust that he will have a long, happy and satisfying time as Rector of St. Mary’s.

Pictured above: Reverend David Lewis with Bishop John of St Asaph

Remembrance Day Parade By David Burton

At 10.55am on Sunday 14th November we were standing to attention waiting for the clock to strike 11. The new Rector was leading the prayers and I was thinking how the number of British Legion members was sadly declining even though their numbers had been augmented by two veterans of the Burma Campaign who had moved into the area since last year.

Our scout numbers were also down, but that’s the way our numbers go – up and down. What was very pleasing was that one scout, now at university made a special journey home especially to come to the Remembrance Day Parade.

It was clear that many people there that Sunday, were remembering family and friends who served. In his address the Rector mentioned that one MP had recently said that we need to move on and Remembrance Day is now irrelevant. I agree with the Rector, we must continue to remember those who have paid the ultimate price that we may continue to enjoy the lifestyle and freedoms they defended.

How often do we pass war memorials and see lists of names without giving a thought as to who they were, where they served and how they died? And then Gerry Owen read out all the names on our War Memorial.

It’s not many years since I discovered members of my own family on a war memorial in the Lake District. It is comforting to think that they are being remembered each year and then the thought crossed my mind that all over the country at that same moment, others were reading out the names of hundreds of thousands of soldiers who gave their lives in two world wars. I hope that for many years to come “At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them!”

Happy Xmas to all our readers