St Mary’s Church in Calne has welcomed its first training curate in over 20 years, as Reverend Carly Taylor begins her ministry in the town and surrounding villages.
Revd Carly was ordained as a deacon at Salisbury Cathedral on 29th June and has now taken up her post as assistant curate for Calne, working alongside Revd Caspar Bush. She will also be supporting churches in nearby villages as part of her training.
A former neonatal nurse with nearly two decades of experience, Carly recently completed two years of pre-ordination training. She is now embarking on a new chapter of her journey, spending up to four years in Calne as she gains the skills and experience needed to become a fully-fledged vicar.
Curates, often described as trainee vicars, are able to lead worship and conduct baptisms and funerals from the outset. After a year, they may be ordained as priests, which enables them to preside over weddings and Holy Communion services.
Revd Carly said: “I'm enjoying settling into my new life here in Calne and the surrounding villages. I'm excited to get to know the local communities and offer pastoral support where I can. I’ve already loved learning how to lead worship in our churches.”
In an unexpected twist, Carly also discovered a historical family connection to Calne shortly after her arrival. “Until recently, I didn’t think I had any ties to the area,” she said. “But my aunt has researched my maternal family tree and uncovered that my five greats grandfather John Hands, was married in Calne, in March 1779. He had five children, the youngest being my four greats grandfather Abraham Hands, born in 1790 in Calne. I have promised my family I will try to discover more about my historical roots now I'm living in the local area."
Carly’s arrival marks a significant moment for the parish, as Calne hasn't hosted a curate in training for more than two decades.
Want to know what’s on in Calne? Visit our local events page for listings and to find out how to add your own events for free. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news. Have you got a story for us? Email editor@calnenews.com.
