Last Sunday a special service was held to celebrate the longstanding verger ministry of Clive Cherrett, who has served at Lady St Mary Church Wareham for the past 36 years. It could be said that his ministry was even longer than that as he told those gathered how, as a choirboy, he had helped out the then verger changing the altar frontals and with other tasks. This obviously whetted his appetite, and when the then Rector invited him to take up the post permanently, Clive didn’t give it a second thought.
Since then, Clive and his wife have dedicated much of their life to serving the parish of Wareham, running the youth group, serving on the PCC (Clive as Fabric Officer, Pat as Churchwarden). Probably the biggest project each year was the Flower Festival which would draw crowds from around the south of England and Wales, but there was much more besides.
Sunday’s service saw parishioners past and present, and other members of the community, gather to pay their respects. The Archdeacon of Dorset preached on the importance of the servant ministry and then presided at the Eucharist. The service was followed by coffee and cake served in the parish hall where there were further tributes, including one from the diocese given by the Bishop of Sherborne. Clive was then presented with a card and gift from the parish.
Over the years, Clive has served under four rectors and played a part in helping many Curates understand the finer points of setting up and getting a church ready for worship.
The current rector, The Revd Canon Simon Everett said:
"It was very reassuring to know that I could turn up for any service and have full confidence that everything would be in order and that the church would be looking at its very best. Locals and visitors have appreciated all that Clive has done over the years"
Over the past few months Clive has been training his replacement, who will now take over the reins with Clive on hand as verger emeritus for holiday cover.
