Chorleywood welcomes new reverend (From Watford Observer)

Chorleywood welcomes new reverend

5:30pm Saturday 8th September 2012 in News By Adam Binnie, Senior Reporter

A new vicar with royal connections has taken over the Christ Church in Chorleywood, following a ceremony with his new congregation.

David Hall, 46, has worked for the kitchens of four royal households – Buckingham Palace, Balmoral and Sandringham, during student holidays.

After graduating in business studies from the University of Greenwich, he spent seven years with the PR firm that re-launched Windsor Castle after its disastrous fire in 1992.

He managed the PR accounts for a range of major companies, including Commercial Union and the Classic Malts whisky range produced by United Distillers and Vintners.

In an unusual career move, reverend Hall left public relations to train for the Church of England at Oak Hill Theological College in Cockfosters.

He worked as a curate in Bebington on the Wirral and most recently in Danehill, East Sussex, where he was vicar for nine years.

He said: “My wife Mary and I are thrilled to be joining the church family at Christ Church.

“This is an exciting time in the life of Christ Church, with The Junction, the new church centre, recently completed and many areas of ministry growing and developing.

“We are very much looking forward to serving the community here in Chorleywood.”

Mary Hall is a professional cellist and plays regularly with the concert orchestra of All Souls' Church in London. This autumn she will be touring with them in Scotland.

In the past she has played with the Moscow City Ballet, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and as a backing musician for Cliff Richard.

Rev Hall was instituted as Vicar of Christ Church on Saturday September 1, by the Bishop of St Albans, the Rt Rev Alan Smith.

He and Mrs Hall, and their four children, were welcomed to the parish at Saturday's special service by members of Christ Church.

Representatives of other churches, as well as councillor Kemal Butt, chairman of Three Rivers District Council and councillor Lyn Sutherland, chairman of Chorleywood Parish Council also attended.