New vicar takes up the reins of Oldham parish

Induction of Reverand Derek Palmer, new team rector, at Oldham Parish Church. Left to right, Mayor of Oldham Cllr. Shoab Akhtar, Rt. Rev. Mark Davies Bishop of Middleton, Rev. Derek Palmer, Mayoress Shafeena Kausar.

THE new vicar of Oldham has taken up his position after a service of induction was carried out yesterday by the Bishop of Middleton, the Right Reverend Mark Davies.

And among the first to congratulate the Rev Derek Palmer were the town’s Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Shoab Akhtar and Shafeena Kausar.

Mr Palmer (54) replaces the Rev Donovan Meyer, who was vicar of Oldham for the last two of his eight years working in the borough, before his return to South Africa last year. Mr Palmer will cover the parish church, Holy Trinity in Coldhurst and St Stephen’s, Lowermoor.

His service to the church has taken him all over the country, and also overseas as an Army chaplain.

He came to Oldham after two years as Priest in Charge at St Andrew’s, Droylsden, and lives at St Ambrose Vicarage in Prince Charlie Street, Derker.

He will work alongside the Rev Nick Smeeton, who cares for Holy Trinity and St Stephen’s churches.