Sword dancing Vicar welcomed to St Cuthbert’s
l-r Lesley Young, Reverend John McDermott, Bishop of Newcastle Christine Hardman and Mack Hetherington.
At the installation of Reverend John McDermott, as Priest in Charge at St.Cuthbert’s Parish Church, the Right Reverend Christine Hardman, Bishop of Newcastle, on her first public visit to the parish, talked about journeys.
She described the people of Amble as being on a journey, as is the new vicar, and his installation is an important stage in both of these journeys. She was impressed by St. Cuthbert’s Mission Action Plan and said this would provide a marvellous map for this journey. Rev Hardman talked about the key things to take on the journey and gave her profound blessing for all that lies ahead.
Rounding off the service John was welcomed by various community groups starting with the Lay Chair of the Deanery Synod, Francis Allsop; Chair of Coquet Churches Together, Lilian Dixon; representing all the schools in Amble was Neil Rogers, Head of James Calvert Spence College; representing Amble Town Council was Craig Weir; Jan Slinn represented the Mothers’ Union; Mac Hetherington, the Church Wardens and finally the youngsters from Threebies, an after-school group organised by church members brought up a banner they had made for the occasion.
In his address, John thanked the Bishop and Archdeacon for all the support and encouragement they had given him in the run up to this installation. Everyone then retired to the Parish Hall where a buffet was provided.
Revd. John McDermott was an RE teacher at James Calvert Spence College while also serving at St. Mary’s Monkseaton. At Monkseaton he was a member of Monkseaton Sword Dancers and he and his colleagues gave a demonstration of Sword Dancing, Rapper Dancing and some country dancing, finally inviting the assembly to join in the country dancing – which they did.
Vivienne Dalgliesh
Brilliant ! Would love to see the new vicar dressed as the Betty!