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This tribute was written to mark the departure of Fr David Bagstaff at the end of his ten years as parish priest at All Souls. He left for a year's sabbatical, combining this with a period of research for the diocese.
One of his first tasks was to embark on a refurbishment programme of the presbytery reordering the interior into a more practical and comfortable living space for the clergy. Not only that but he also realised that better use could be made of the floor area of the late Victorian building for the benefit of the parish as a whole and thus the Parish Centre later came into being - a most delightful room suitable for many parish activities and now an important centre for meetings and social events, complete with modern toilet facilities and small but well equipped kitchen.
In the meantime, much work was needed on the church exterior, with renovation of the church bell, in danger of collapse, being a priority. Finances for all of these changes and improvements were found through the great fund raising initiatives of the church centenary appeal, which was not only very successful in terms of how much money it generated, but also in the extent to which it brought the people of the parish together. One could be forgiven for resting on one's laurels after so much work but not Fr David, and, in agreement with the parish council, decided refurbishment of the church building itself should be embarked upon, which because of it being a Grade 2 listed building, as was the presbytery, much thought, planning and consents had to be obtained to determine what could be done. Priority was complete rewiring of the electrics in the church and installation of a completely new lighting system, followed by reordering of the sanctuary, restoring the original baldachin and triptych, repainting the walls, recarpeting the floor as well as sanding down the floorboards resulting in a pleasing interior which compliments the Victorian building. To see the church interior as it looks today, select the link at the bottom of this page
He has played an important role in the ecumenical life of the community, actively participating in services at the Anglican cathedral, as well as preaching in the churches of other denominations. This was witnessed by the presence of Baptist, United Reformed church and Anglican clerics at his farewell mass. The mass was attended also by a very large number of parishioners; the children sang for him and tribute was made to him on behalf of the people by Mrs Pat Bedford, who also presented him with a cheque, a farewell present from the parish. For pictures of his farewell mass and party, select the link at the bottom of this page.
Links to picture pages: Fr David's Jubilee celebrations || Church interior after refurbishment || Farewell mass and party Mike Elmore |
