MOVE TO NEW MILLS BY FATHER OWAIN MITCHELL CREATING INTEREST FAR BEYOND THE BRIGG AREA

 
Considerable interest has been shown in Brigg Blog's recent post about the appointment of our local Vicar - Father Owain Mitchell - to take charge of a parish in Derbyshire.
Readers of the illustrated story - VIEW IT HERE - do not all live in Brigg and district by any means; many people from New Mills - his new parish - have been taking a look.
Father Owain, who also ministered to the spiritual needs of parishioners in Wrawby, Cadney & Howsham, Bonby and Worlaby, is soon to take up his new appointment, having said a fond farewell to Brigg and district in late December, his final service being at the town's St John's Church on Sunday the 29th.
Ken Harrison, of Brigg Matters magazine, suggests: "It may be useful to include the St George's Church Facebook page. This will allow Brigg folk to review his Induction at New Mills on 6th February."
Brigg Blog today posts a selection of pictures featuring Father Owain at various events during his lengthy stay in Brigg.
Many townsfolk will recall attending Remembrance Sunday events when he officiated, including services at St John's and the dignified wreath-laying at the Monument war memorial.
He was also Chaplain to many Town Mayors; he led councillors, staff and members of the public in prayer at the beginning of meetings held in the Angel Suite.
In May 2013 he conducted a service to dedicate the new Josh Parkin Community Memorial Garden, near the Old River Ancholme's A18 flyover bridge.
Father Owain gave guidance to Brigg's latest Curate, the Rev Trudy Hobson, until she moved last summer to take charge of her first parish.
Father Owain's stay in Brigg saw the Church Hall, on Bigby Street, undergo extensive refurbishment, while improvements to the church's frontage continue.
Brigg Blog has already contacted the Lincoln Diocese, requesting to be informed about Father Owain's successor, once the appointment is confirmed. At this stage we can't say how long this will take.
Church appointments across the UK appear in The Daily Telegraph, in a regular column. Father Owain's impending move from Brigg to New Mills was mentioned by the national newspaper late last year - some time after Brigg Blog had announced his new appointment.
PICTURED ABOVE: Father Owain during his final service at St John's Church, photographed by Ken Harrison. Our thanks go to Ken who, over the years, took a number of the pictures that feature in today's post; the others are Brigg Blog's.

Father Owain Mitchell welcoming people to St John's Church for one of the Brigg Civic Services at which he officiated. Coun Carl Sherwood is on the left.

Father Owain Mitchell receiving a farewell gift on behalf of Brigg councillors and staff prior to Brigg Town Council's November 2019 meeting in the Angel Suite Lounge. Town Mayor Coun Sharon Riggall is seen passing on her best wishes.

Father Owain Mitchell approaching the Monument war memorial on Remembrance Sunday.

Father Owain Mitchell watching people taking part in the Remembrance Sunday parade in November 2014 enter St John's Church from Wrawby Street.

Father Owain Mitchell and Brigg's Curate, Trudy Hobson (left) at the Holocaust Memorial Ceremony, held in the Angel during January 2018. Brigg & Goole MP Andrew Percy is centre left, back row, with Freeman of Brigg, Tom Glossop, second left.

Father Owain and Trudy celebrating refurbishment of St John's Church Hall in October 2016.

Father Owain Mitchell officiating at the switching on of the Brigg Tree of Light in November 2019.

Father Owain Mitchell at the Planting of Crosses near the Monument by Brigg school pupils on the Friday prior to Remembrance Sunday 2019.

Father Owain and the Rev Trudy with members of Brigg Town Council following the election held in May 2019.  Town Clerk Dinah Lilley is on the right.

Father Owain Mitchell and the Rev Trudy Hobson (front - far right) with the Lindhurst Choir after a carol service held at St John's Church in December 2017 at part of the Christmas Festival of Trees & Wreaths.

Father Owain Mitchell at a dedication ceremony held in May 2013 for the Josh Parkin Community Memorial Garden, Brigg

Father Owain Mitchell as the civic Chaplain in 2010 with the Town Mayor and Deputy Town Mayor - Coun James Truepenny, left, and Coun Ed Arnott.