Last night I was incredibly honoured to attend the formal induction ceremony for our new priest, Reverend Sam Park. Sam has joined our community with her family and will work across the CofE churches in West Lavington, Market Lavington, Easterton, Great Cheverell and Little Cheverell.
The ceremony was a lovely celebration of Sam and her appointment and a fantastic opportunity for the community to welcome her and her family to the parishes. All Saints Church was full to the rafters with residents from across the villages who saw Andrew, Bishop of Ramsbury, lead the ceremony which included beautiful songs by Holy Trinity Primary School’s choir followed by choirs from across the parishes. I was honoured to say a few words during the ceremony to welcome Sam on behalf of all residents, community groups, parish councillors and our growing youth council. I wish Sam and her family all the best in their new home and I look forward to seeing them in the village over the coming months.
This ceremony was one of a number of events in the last few weeks which have struck a chord with me. Seeing so many residents from across the five parishes of The Lavingtons joining together with one aim is a good reflection of “community”. I have seen it several times at various scales recently; neighbours coming together to challenge planning applications, residents being recognised at an awards ceremony in Devizes for their community spirit and villagers filling The Old School to celebrate the annual achievements of the Market Lavington community. There is a lot of negativity in the world at the moment and it is easy to lose sight of all the good that happens locally, all of the positive relationships we have, and our strength when we stand together. This gives me great encouragement and is genuinely energising.
As we head towards the warmer weather, take a few seconds each day to reflect on the positives as you walk to the local shop or pub, or along a footpath through our beautiful countryside, or as you wait outside the school gates. I am often sobered as one of 98 Wiltshire Councillors, to see the hardship and degradation that exists in many parts of Wiltshire. We are really lucky to live where we live in these beautiful surroundings and with the support of our wider community when we need it. Thatcher once said that “there is no such thing as society” as a pre-existing entity, it needs to be created by you and I; she was absolutely right. If you have a child at a local school, join the PTA; if you like to walk or you have a dog, join one of the footpath clearing groups; if you get together every week with friends, meet at a local pub. The list is never ending – Shop local when you can, attend the odd parish council meeting, join a local community group, check-in on vulnerable neighbours occasionally, encourage your kids to join a litter-pick. Our communities exist only through the effort we put into them. Keep up the good work, with an outside perspective we are doing a good job here in The Lavingtons!
You may contact me about this or any other matter by email to dominic.muns@wiltshire.gov.uk or by phone on 07585 394 178.
