The first female vicar of Feltham has been getting to know people in the community since she was ordained two weeks ago.
Settling into life in west London, the Reverend Anne Dollery who spent the last five years as vicar of St Andrew in Walthamstow, has hailed her first baptism at St Dunstan's Church her highlight so far.
Her formal appointment into the congregation by The Bishop of Kensington, The Right Reverend Paul Williams, on February 25, is also one for the local history books.
Ms Dollery, who was brought up and went to school in nearby Chertsey, Surrey, said: "People are so friendly and so welcoming, not just people in the church but the wider community.
"It's lovely to be here to come to serve the community and I am happy to be here.
"The highlight so far has been getting to know people at Sunday's baptism held in the church, and to see a range of people and the service was amazing.
"I'm still finding my way around, going to meet people and also been to the other churches which has been exciting.
"I had a lovely welcome from Hounslow Friends of Faith and St Dunstan's church. It was also lovely to meet the MP and local councillors."
The church has been without a vicar since Reverend Peter Wragg retired in February 2012.
A full church witnessed the induction of Rev Dollery to the parish and the congregation were joined by many friends of hers from all over the country as well as MP for Feltham Seema Malhotra, the Mayor of Hounslow councillor Corinna Smart, Feltham West ward councillor Elizabeth Hughes and Bessie White, secretary of Hounslow Friends of Faith.
Her experience is key to further developing links between St Dunstan, the United Free Church of Feltham (Christchurch) and Southville Methodist Church and she brings with her a keen interest in visual arts.
Duties include leading the worship on Sunday including Holy Communion celebrations and baptisms, pastoral care, funerals, and going out in the community meeting children in the church group and visiting care homes in the area where a special monthly service is held at Derwent Lodge and Coniston Lodge.
Church warden Ian Stuchbury said: “In our own much smaller way, St Dunstan’s is making history as we welcome the Rev Anne Dollery as the first female vicar of Feltham.
“Whether or not Anne has ambitions to be the next bishop I do not know, but I am sure that she will bring new insights and fresh ideas to our parish.”
