A popular priest is moving to pastures new after eight years in St Ippolyts – after baptising her 100th child in the village.
The Rev Ann Pollington, whose parish covers both St Ippolyts and Great and Little Wymondley, is heading to a new patch in Kent.
She said: “I have loved being the vicar here and sharing in people’s joys and being with them in moments of sadness, it is a privilege.”
But it’s not all about religion as green-fingered Ann also enjoys a spot of gardening – which is just as well, as the St Ippolyts vicarage has a large garden and her new home in Cranbrook has an every bigger one.
Ann said: “Gardening keeps you in touch with the seasons of the year and keeps your feet on the ground, in case you get any grandiose ideas about yourself.
“From mowing lawns to digging up potatoes, getting your hands dirty is no bad thing.
“I baptised two little girls last week and it was only when I filled in the register I realised I’d baptised my 100th and 101st child in St Ippolyts.
“Two of the achievements I’m proud of are setting up the monthly community lunches and the toddlers’ service – but there’s also been many other fun things including dying my hair purple in aid of Children in Need.
“Over the years I’ve been asked why does nearly everything I do involve food. Well, the answer is Jesus.
“He ate with all his friends and with 5,000 strangers, so it seems natural for me to eat with friends and strangers too.”
A farewell service is being held in the parish church on Tuesday night, from 7.30pm.
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