Ordination of Ann Broxham

Ven John Beer, Canon Vanessa Herrick, Revd Ann Broxham, Rt Revd David Thomson, Revd Rosemary Maskell © Richard Creak

St George’s Church, Littleport was the setting for the Ordination of Ann Broxham in December. As far as is known, it was a “first” for this church. The ministry team and congregation threw themselves into making it a memorable occasion.

Ann was ordained as a Distinctive Deacon to serve in the Parish of Littleport St. George, by The Rt Revd Dr David Thomson, Bishop of Huntingdon.

Revd Ann Broxham, Rt Revd David Thomson, Revd Rosemary Maskell © Richard Creak

It was a very moving service, with Canon Vanessa Herrick giving the address and the Ven John Beer, Archdeacon of Cambridge, presenting Ann with her stole.

The choir and organist contributed greatly to the atmosphere, especially as a piece of music had been commissioned for the service. Daniel Bishop, who is assistant organist at Liverpool Cathedral, was approached by Iain Harvey, St. George’s organist, to write a fanfare for the metrical Gloria. This was played with great enthusiasm by Iain during the service, and was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. The piece was dedicated to Ann, who received a signed copy of the music.

The Revd Rosemary Maskell, vicar of St. George’s, welcomed Ann into the church family at Littleport, saying “It will be wonderful to have Ann with us here, as I’m sure she will bring her many gifts to strengthen and encourage us all. I look forward to working with her over the coming years.”

The parish family provided refreshments after the service for Ann’s family, fellow ordinands from Westcott House, and friends – some of whom came from the recently closed St. Francis’ House, in Hemingford Grey, where Ann was previously working.

Biography of Ann

Ann came to Cambridgeshire in 2003 to work as Assistant Warden at a retreat house owned by the Community of the Resurrection. It while while she was at St Francis House, Hemingford Grey that she discerned a calling to the Distinctive Diaconate (aka Permanent-Deacon) and decided to follow it up. She said "I feel called to serve God as a Deacon and to 'build bridges' between the church and the community".

After the retreat house closed in December 2009 she went to Westcott House, Cambridge where she studied for her Post Graduate Diploma in Pastoral Theology. She also has a degree in Theology and Religious Studies.

Before coming to Cambridgeshire, Ann worked as volunteer for nine months with asylum seekers coming into the port of Dover. She also worked with the education department of HMP Canterbury teaching prisoners literacy and numeracy skills. Ann has a farming background which she hopes will fits well with the parish of Littleport, St George where she will serve.