A NEW parish priest has been welcomed by residents of the three villages of Atworth, Shaw and Whitley.

Well over 200 people gathered in Christ Church, Shaw, on Tuesday (July 16)to witness the Bishop of Ramsbury, Dr Andrew Rumsey, license Jane as the new priest for the Benefice of Atworth, Shaw and Whitley.

The congregation included local councillors; police representatives, leaders of local action groups and youth organisations, school head teachers, as well as many parishioners from her previous parish and local clergy from the Deanery. A reception was held afterwards in Shaw Primary School Hall.

Rev Palmer is married to Andrew. They have a dog called Alfie. Since being ordained in 2016, she has been the Assistant Curate in Trowbridge at St James Church and Keevil. Prior to becoming a priest, Rev Palmer worked as a youth adviser for Bournemouth Borough Council.

The family have already moved in to the Vicarage in Shaw and Rev Palmer is looking forward to taking up the duties of Priest for the villages.

As well as her Priestly duties, she also has many other interests that include music, which she hopes to develop within her work.

Rev Palmer is also a keen gardener - and the garden at the Vicarage will give her ample scope to practice these skills.