By Jill Stocks
A popular Horsforth clergyman has announced he will be leaving the parish in the summer to take up a new post in his native North East.
Reverend Nigel Sinclair announced his departure on social media at the weekend and shared a photo showing the stunning view of his new parish.
Nigel has been the Team Rector at St Margaret’s Church for 12 years and a prominent and popular part of the community.
The new post sees him move to St John the Baptist, Eaglescliffe, in the Diocese of Durham where he has accepted the post of Priest in Charge.
“The last 12 years have seen some times of great joy, and also times of tragedy and hardship,” he said.
“It has been a privilege to serve God and the community of Horsforth through all these ups and downs.
“Horsforth is a very special place to live and I will continue to hold you in my heart for years to come.”
Nigel celebrated his 60th birthday in March and the new role, which is a half time position, will allow him to ease himself towards retirement.
The move to the new parish will also take him closer to his beloved Newcastle United. Church duties permitting Nigel is an avid supporter and a member of local Newcastle United supporters group Horsforth Mags. He acknowledged that the move will take him “nearer St James’s Park”.
Nigel is proud of the part St Margaret’s now plays in the community and he leaves a great legacy at the church.
He added: “Over the past four years the community impact of St Margaret’s has absolutely gone through the roof.
“In a way the community cafe was the start of it. That was the thing that opened the doors quite literally.
“It was a place where people came to church. It had no impact in the community at all. And now it’s right at the heart of just about everything that goes on in Horsforth.”
Nigel will be serving a longer than usual notice period as he continues to oversee the extensive building work at St Margaret’s.
As well as the continuing restoration of the organ there is also repair work at the church dealing with a number of structural issues in the area of the altar which will see the temporary removal of the reredos as well as work to repair damage to the marble floor.
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