Parish of Leatherhead : Rev Briony Martin: Curate 2002-2006

from the May 2008 magazine (edited)
Dear Friends - I hope this letter finds all well in Leatherhead. We think of you often and miss you all.

Regarding the Suitcase Trust, I am currently in discussion with Brighton and Hove City council to supply suitcases to children in foster care in the area and will keep you posted on how that develops.

We love hearing news of Leatherhead and of life at St Mary and St Nicholas, and hope that things will continue to go well with the church family.
With love from Briony, Peter, Max, Ben and Jack.

from the Feb 2006 magazine
Goodbye, Briony On January 15th the parish said farewell to Revd Briony Martin who leaves after three and-a-half years as curate for a new home and career in Hove. In her final address from the pulpit, Briony told a packed congregation that her time in Leatherhead had been a fantastic experience she had "loved" but she admitted that combining work with caring for two small boys had not been without stress.

In Hove she would be able to spend more time with husband, Peter, and sons, Max (4) and Ben (2). Although taking a break from full-time ministry, Briony will continue on a freelance basis in the Chichester diocese. With £2,500, won in a newspaper competition, she also plans to set up a charity to buy suitcases for children in care.

After the service, at a crowded reception, Canon David Eaton praised her for the range and variety of work she had undertaken here. Peter and the boys were with her as she was presented with "bon voyage" gifts from her many church friends, including a pair of candleholders, a cheque for £550 and a large bouquet of flowers prepared by Valerie Jones. The children were not forgotten: Max was given a wizard puppet and Ben a Russian doll. Keith Evans

[Editor - Frances Presley spoke on behalf of the Churchwardens and there was much laughter when she remarked that 8 o'clock Communion would never be the same again ... "will she/won't she?". Briony will also be writing, supporting the work of Inclusive Church and and is hoping to take services etc. in the diocese of Chichester.]

David Eaton wrote in the January 2006 Parish Magazine: Briony has brought a great deal to her ministry in Leatherhead. She has won people's affection by being outgoing and concerned about others; she has championed women's ministry and an inclusive church in which all are welcomed and respected; she has pioneered informal worship through the Bitesize Service; she has demonstrated clear and progressive thinking in theology and ministry; she has stood by people in need and for the work of the church in the community.

Needless to say she will be greatly missed. We wish her, and Peter and Max and Ben, every blessing and thank them all for all that they have brought to our church and town.

from the November 2005 parish magazine
Departure for Briony
It is with very mixed feelings I am able to announce that Briony will be leaving Leatherhead and parish life here in January next year. Her final Sunday will be January 15th.

Briony, Peter and their two boys, Max and Ben, are to move to live in Hove where they have recently bought a house. Briony is to take a career break from full-time ministry but will continue to work on a freelance basis in ministry and journalism, as well as getting a new charity off the ground for which she won a recent Guardian newspaper competition.

It is with mixed feelings on my part, because although I always knew the time would come, Briony has been an excellent colleague and friend during her time in Leatherhead. She has developed a caring and creative ministry, which has been appreciated by many people.

There will be an opportunity to say more in January, but in the meantime if you would like to contribute to a leaving gift for Briony, please pass a donation to one of the Wardens. David Eaton

Briony shortly after coming to Leatherhead

Priesting 28th June 2003 at Guildford Cathedral: Briony and family with Leatherhead's Canon David & Ginny Eaton after the service. Briony's First Celebration came on the following day, Trinity 2 (Peter The Apostle), at Leatherhead Parish Church's Family Communion.

Photos: Hauxwell, Wright

from Leatherhead Parish Magazine March 2002
A New Deacon
I am delighted to announce that the Bishop has been pleased to agree to the appointment of Briony Martin as Deacon to this Parish and United Benefice. Briony will be ordained in Guildford Cathedral on 30th June 2002, and serve her title with us from that date.

Parish of Leatherhead : Rev Briony Martin, Curate 2002-2006