Key to Success - 2006 September

The Parish Church of St James
St. James's Road, Hampton Hill, TW12 1DQ (Parish Office 020 8941 6003)

THE HISTORY OF St. JAMES'S CHURCH
Section Contents: The History of St. James's Church \| 'Birth and Growth of Hampton Hill' \| Church Records \| Churchyard Records \| Past Events at St. James's \| People of St. James's \| Spire Magazine Archives \| Through the Years

Past Events in the 2000s: Key to Success - 2006 September

As Brian begins a new chapter in his ministry at St Luke’s, Chelsea, we pay tribute to his seventeen years at St James’s in words and pictures, past and present and we remember his future ministry in our prayers and give thanks for all that he has done and achieved here.

Teacher, musician, scholar, friend, raconteur, counsellor, businessman. Brian is many things to many people…. Thanks for the Memory... A trawl through the archives of Brian’s 17 years as Vicar of St James’.
August 1989 - September 2006.

A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS
From the start of life to the end and everything in between, Brian is truly a “Man for All Seasons”. Whether with a babe in arms at a christening, entertaining the young and not so young, or conducting a graceful farewell at a funeral service, Brian’s message always has sensitivity, humour and above all a Christian spirit.
Clive, Maria and Frances Beaumont

HE GAVE ME CONFIDENCE
One of Brian's skills is enabling people to have the confidence to do things which they might not believe they can do. I never believed that I would be capable of carrying out the duties of a churchwarden, but Brian has always inspired me to believe in myself and helped me to believe that I am not so stupid after all. I have never heard him talk down to anyone or patronize them. He empowers them. He even sweet- talked me into climbing up the enormous rock in Sri Lanka called Sigyuria. I never thought I could do it because it was very scary, but with his encouragement I did.
Liz Butler

CONCERN FOR WIDER WORLD
Brian is a man of deep commitment, promoting the Christian message and, through his involvement with overseas development, he has inspired concern for the wider world.
Vincent Cable


Family after Brian's first service	The Vicar's Study	Brian in his Vicar's Robes

BRIAN ACTIVELY ENCOURAGES CHILDREN
When I first came to St. James’s with my young son I wondered whether children were welcomed, tolerated or simply ignored. I soon discovered they were certainly welcomed, encouraged to be actively involved rather than just tolerated and definitely not ignored - even when some children get slightly confused. At a Sunday School picnic one child asked: ‘Why is Jesus wearing shorts today and not his dress?’ But they were always encouraged to grow in faith and understanding. Brian’s patience at the annual Crib Service and his rapport with the young people at informal services has been amazing.
Lou Coaker-Basdell

KEEPING SCOUTS IN ORDER!
Our most obvious interaction with Brian has been at the monthly Church Parades, but Brian has been an ongoing support in many other ways, such as question and answer sessions and helping our members to complete various aspects of their badge-work. He has visited Twickeree and has given us enlightening guided tours of the church. He managed the impossible: keeping a large group of Scouts seated and engaged one evening during lengthy preparations for a Q&A session. He has always been willing to listen to us and help when he could.
Paul Fitchett

CONVEYING THE TRUTH
At Rectory School, later re-named Hampton Community College, Brian chaired various panels and was a counsellor to staff and families. We appreciated his broad-minded approach and his sense of the ridiculous, but most importantly the fact that he saw the truth and conveyed it.
Netta Forward


Year 2 Carlisle Infant School	Sunday School - 2000	Year 2 Carlisle Infant School

OPEN DOORS IS A LASTING LEGACY
With Brian’s visionary concept of ‘Opening Our Doors’ realised, the beauty of St James’ and its vibrant life is open for all to see. The Parish Office provides a direct contact for all; to arrange baptisms, or marriages, or funerals, or hall bookings. In the north aisle, upholstered chairs and carpet have replaced the bare boards and pews. The prayer corner; the rebuilt organ; the large table and some pews moved to give more space at the west entrance. Reconstruction of the stained glass windows in the chancel and the south aisle. The churchyard, now open to view from Park Road, is maintained by the borough council.
Jack Gostling

FEW CHURCHES HAVE OUR RANGE OF MUSIC
When I came to Hampton Hill 16 years ago, Brian helped me rediscover what is important about Christianity. He has the very special gift of relating to different people in the best way for them. That I came to be baptised and then confirmed is largely down to him. Brian’s support for music means that few parish churches have the range and quality of musical activities of St. James’. Musically, he will be a very hard act to follow.
Martin Hinckley

INTELLECTUAL CHALLENGE
Brian has a wicked sense of humour and overflows with warmth, friendship and compassion. His ability to 'speak to' everyone providing intellectual challenge with a clarity of delivery, has enabled us to achieve a deeper, clearer and more meaningful comprehension of spirituality. It has challenged us to think anew about our pre-conceived ideas and opinions and see things differently. He has been a ‘good shepherd’, welcoming all into his flock and leading us in the right direction. Thank you Brian…. I will miss you greatly.
Prill Hinckley


Church Redecoration September 1991	Opening Our Doors October 2005	Church Hall Topping Out December 1993

AN ENDURING FRIENDSHIP
When I was about four years old, one of my earliest memories is of a beautiful young girl with sparkling, fun-loving eyes, bounding towards me in the school playground and introducing herself as Anusha. It was the start of a great and enduring friendship, and the forging of a strong link between both of our families. Brian Leathard has come to mean a number of very different, and yet equally significant things to my two sisters, my mother, my father and to me. He is the man who made Christianity accessible and wonderful to the naïve and impatient mind of a child; and for all of us, he is a great friend.
Aita Ighodaro (on behalf of ‘the Ighodaro girls’ - Enida, Aita and Natasha)

DIFFERENT LANGUAGES, SAME MESSAGE
November 1991… the church lit only by candles, a full congregation of British, Germans and Dutch. Our daughter Helen arrives with her two sisters, small niece and nephew in attendance. The wedding service is conducted in English and impeccable German by Brian… wedding vows made in English by Helen and German by Thilo, her husband-to-be. A unique and unforgettable occasion. The Baptisms: 1993, 1994, 1996, 2000, same church, same vicar, same families, same languages and same heart-warming welcome at St James’. Brian is very special to all of us.
Tony and Margaret Lawrence

A WONDERFUL ROLE-MODEL AS A PRIEST
When I first came to the vicarage part-way through my training for ordination, Brian had to clear papers off a table, then books off a chair so that I could sit down and I thought: ‘I like this man!’ As I grew to know him better the overwhelming impression has been of a very thorough, careful and prayerful person giving kind and gentle support and encouragement. He is a wonderful role-model as a priest and his loving support continues.
Ros McDowell


A Baptism	A Wedding	A Confirmation

BRIAN THE BUSINESSMAN
We know and value Brian in many roles: teacher, musician, scholar, friend, raconteur, counsellor, businessman… Business man? A parish is a bit like a small business, and Brian has willingly involved himself in all the business aspects of parish life. He has led two large building projects, with all their complications and frustrations; and has never been afraid to talk to the congregation about the need for realistic giving. His new parish will be delighted!
Paul Peterken

NEVER LOST FOR RIGHT WORDS
Brian has an exceptional skill at knowing exactly the right phrase, comment or enquiry to offer opportunities opening further discussion if needed. Brian truly cares for all his parishioners and devotes unstinting time to them, he has never made me feel my concerns were trivial, (and I am sure some of them may well have been), and has always offered a helpful suggestion for further action or thought. We look forward to hearing all the news from him, Ramani and Anusha in their new parish, so that we can share with others their success.
Coryn Robinson

COMPASSION
I want to thank you, Brian, for all the wonderful help you gave me when my world fell apart with the death of my son, Owen. I don’t know what I would have done without your warmth, kindness and empathy during those dreadful early days. I would like to thank you not just for me and my family but for everyone that you have helped live through such nightmares during your years at St James’.
Jennifer McEvoy (Hywel Davies)


After Freda's first Holy Communion - 2000	At Betty's Retirement	After Julie's first Holy Communion - 2003

EMPEROR OF EMPOWERMENT
In management-speak 'empowerment' may be an overused word, but in the context of Brian's 17 years at St James’ it accurately describes the way in which he has sought to build up the body of Christ within the church and in the wider community. By knowing people's skills and talents, followed by that all-important personal invitation, he has given many the confidence to take on roles and to contribute with remarkable effect to our common life.
Lesley Mortimer

THE VISITOR WHO CARED
When my mother, Lesse Mills, was too confused to know who had visited her, we kept a visitors’ book. Brian was a frequent visitor. One entry, 1 November was: ‘Visited St Lesse on All Saints Day’. A small thing perhaps, but an indication of the value he put on every person in his care. When my back did not allow me to move from the floor, Brian would collect the therapeutic frozen peas, put them on my back and chat, replacing the peas in the freezer on his way out!
Ruth Mills

BOTH FEET ON THE GROUND
As churchwardens at the time, we interviewed candidates for the post of Vicar of St. James’s. We knew what we wanted: a priest with a high degree of spirituality, who would encourage all believers; not somebody with the qualities of the archangel Gabriel, but one whose feet were firmly on the ground and yet whose faith was strong enough to lead us forward. We felt that Brian had all these qualities, and it has indeed proved to be the case.
Lesley Mortimer and Alan Taylor


Jerusalem - October 1992	St. James's Players	Activity in Church

SPEAKING UP AGAINST INJUSTICE IN THE WORLD
Brian considers our charitable giving to be extremely important. He is very outward-looking, seeing not only local needs but needs and injustices wherever they may be in the world. He encourages us to use our intellect and time to speak up about injustice and all his family have been involved in this. We have also gained from Ramani’s experience working for Christian Aid in both formal sermons and informal chats. We shall miss your guidance and encouragement - be prepared for phone calls!
Ann Peterken

INSIGHTFUL AND A MOST TOLERANT NEIGHBOUR!
There are a few people in most people’s lives, I imagine, whose acquaintance becomes a key part of one’s own personal development, who change the way in which one looks on life, on faith and on one’s relationships - really the world generally. Brian is such a person for me. He is able to cast things in a new light for those of us who walk through life all too often unthinkingly and blindly accepting received wisdom. Yet at the same time he and all his family are the best and most tolerant of neighbours and the most generous of hosts.
Charles Nettleton

ENCOURAGING CHILDREN TO UNITE IN SONG
Enthusiasm is certainly the spirit of the Children’s Choir and this has been engendered by Brian’s ministry. His calm when the church is overrun with excited choir members at rehearsals, his tolerance of the repertoire and most of all his genuine welcome to the children and their families that makes the choir feel that St James’ is a happy place to be and a place they want to return to. It encourages children of different ages and in different schools to join together in praise of God and the unifying power of music.
Susannah Nettleton


Parish Weekend June 2001	Victorian Church Bazaar November 1990	Brian's 50th birthday 2006

SO MANY MONDAYS...
Monday mornings won’t be the same after 17 years of going to the study at the vicarage, sorting out the work for the week and having a cup of coffee and a chat. It has been a pleasure to work for you and the two curates, Freda and Julie, both so different but developing during their three years with us and now priests in their own parishes. We have been through lots of happy and sad times together in both our families and you have always been a great source of strength to me. Thank you for making my job so pleasurable.
Janet Nunn

SUPPORTER OF YOUNG AND OLD
Brian has brought to our services, along with a great sense of sincerity and spirituality, a relaxed atmosphere, warmth and love. He is totally approachable by young and old, giving great encouragement and support to young families, evidenced by the number who now regularly attend our morning services. My family and I have found Brian extremely supportive in times of difficulty, for which I thank him. We will really miss Brian and all his family. We all wish them well in their new parish.
Eila Severn

GUIDE, PHILOSOPHER AND FRIEND
I don’t know whether Alexander Pope had Brian in mind when he wrote of the ‘guide, philosopher and friend’, but Brian has been all these to many. He has shown us the way to live, to find the moral imperative and to become - we hope - better people. And truly he is a friend to us all: open, generous, understanding and kind. Thank you for being here, Brian.
Margaret Taylor


Birthday drinks in the Hall	The Young Church	St. James's Day Beating the Bounds

BRINGING HAPPINESS TO ALL OF US
In 17 years, Brian has been so many things to so many people - preacher, teacher, friend, comforter, supporter, inspirer, challenger, theologian, writer, listener, music maker, thinker, mediator, visionary, priest, and many more. In doing all these things what he has really done is to bring happiness to people. Happiness because he cared, happiness because he took the trouble, happiness because he was himself. That happiness stays with us, and we shall always remember why.
Rodney Taylor

A LEADER AND A GIFTED TEACHER
Brian has helped many people in many ways. I am grateful to him above all for his teaching. Any teacher instructs, or at least tries to do so. A good teacher enables students to learn and understand. Further, a gifted teacher can so empower a group that the teaching becomes interactive; all can learn from each other. Brian’s leadership has enriched us in this way.
Dick Wilde

THE FUNERAL OF OUR CHOICE
When my husband Bill died nearly nine years ago, although an agnostic family, Brian enabled us to have the funeral of our choice. We had lived under the church spire for over 40 years and I had been involved with the church from week two. Bill and I had talked about our deaths, the need for ritual, and we hoped to have some of the ceremony in St James’. Brian was splendid. Thank you.
Barbara Withers


Children's Choir	Open Doors Launch - June 2002	Decorated Church

Salute to Brian Leathard

St James’ Church Friday, 15th September, 2006, at 7.00 p.m.
Introduced by Michael Bunce and Rodney Taylor

Lesley Mortimer and Alan Taylor - Brian’s arrival at St. James’s
Eila Severn – How the church has changed
Children’s Choir
Jack Gostling and Dick Wilde – Changes in the church fabric
Bill Jerman and Netta Forward – Brian’s role in local schools
Barbara Withers – Personal reflections
Jennifer McEvoy – Personal reflections
Vincent Cable, MP – Brian’s wider role in public life
The Ighodaro Girls – Brian’s influence
Lou Coaker-Basdell – Brian and Sunday School
Ros McDowell – Brian and ordinands
Ann Peterken – Brian’s support for charities at home and abroad
Margaret Taylor and Tony Lawrence – St. James’s pilgrimages
Ramani and Anusha Leathard and Peter – Life in the vicarage
Ramani and Brian Leathard – Opening Our Doors
Susannah Nettleton – Music at St. James’s
Ash Charles – Bach organ music
Liz Butler and Rodney Taylor – Churchwardens’ appreciation of Brian
Brian Leathard – What I will take away from 17 years at St. James’s

Finally Liz Butler thanked Michael Bunce for organising this ‘Salute to Brian’ and everyone else who took part. She invited everyone to the party in the hall and courtyard and a great time was had by all!


Brian	Party in the Hall	Ramani and Anusha

Brian's Last Service

On Sunday 17th September, at 9.30 am, The Revd Preb Dr Brian Leathard administered his last service at the Parish Church of St. James, Hampton Hill, before taking up his new post of Rector of Chelsea on Thursday 5th October. The church was full to bursting with friends from near and far wishing to participate in this very moving service. After the service the church hall was equally packed as Brian was thanked for all his hard work over the years and was presented with gifts from the parish, including beautifully made books from the Sunday School, Brownies and Guides, a watercolour painting of the church, books about Dietrich Bonhoeffer and a book made of photographs and memories from parishoners.


	Party in the Hall

Further Information
	Associated pages on this website: Clergy

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