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Rev
David Ireland - Priest: David was ordained in
1969 in the Ripon Diocese. He was a full time parish
priest for 14 years before becoming involved in the
voluntary sector. David was involved in a number of
charities as a Fundraiser, latterly as the Appeals and PR
Director for SeeAbility (the Royal School for the Blind)
which has its largest campus at Leatherhead. David married Jane, who worked at Merland Rise School at Tattenham Corner where she was the School Community Liason Officer. The school is in the parish of St Mark's, Tattenham Corner where David was an NSM until 2000. They had four children and two grandchildren. David and Jane became involved at St Michael's Mickleham in March 2000. David was formally licensed to the United Benefice in February 2002: Jane coordinated the Sunday Club at Mickleham. Their interests included gardening, walking and cycling: David enjoys singing in the local choir. On Wednesday 5th January 2005 David was Licensed as Priest with Special Responsibility for Mickleham and Westhumble within the United Benefice of Leatherhead & Mickleham, under the Diocesan House-for-Duty scheme. He was also appointed Chaplain at Box Hill School. On 22 May 2005 he celebrated 35 years since his ordination. Jane died peacefully on 4th September 2006 following her long, courageous fight against cancer. The whole community grieved with David and turned out in force to support him and the family at the Thanksgiving Service for Jane’s life on 27th September in St Michael’s Church. David and Mrs Angela Parfitt, whose husband Rob had died in 2006, were wished every happiness, on the day and in the years to come, when they married on Saturday June 30 2007 at St Michael's Church. The service was taken by The Bishop of Dorking. Canon David Eaton, the then Vicar of Leatherhead was in a 'supporting role'. David (Ireland) wrote in the Mickleham magazine: "I am delighted to say that I have proposed to Angela and she has agreed to marry me! I cannot believe my G(o)od fortune." |