St Mary’s church in the centre of Richmond, Sunday evening 1st November 2009.
The church was full to overflowing for choral evensong, marking the retirement of Canon Julian Reindorp, who has been Rector of Richmond Team ministry since January 1992.
A fanfare started the service.
Long standing Richmond resident Lord (Alan) Watson attended, as did Richmond’s MP, Susan Kramer.
Julian was ordained deacon by the Rt Rev Trevor Huddlestone, Bishop of Stepney at All Saints, Poplar in December 1969.
Over the ensuing years he served as a parish priest in Poplar, Chatham and Milton Keynes before coming to Richmond in 1992.
For all those who have met him, Julian radiates energy, humanity, concern for others, openness and, yes, humility.
One of the most approachable people, and one who never stops working for others.
After the service came some brief speeches and a presentation of retirement gifts.
Lord Watson gave some words of thanks and appreciation for Julian’s work in Richmond.
As did Parish Warden Charles Stiller.
Julian always travels around his parish on a scooter, and one of his presents was a new crash helmet (which he proceeded to try on!)
Julian thanks his congregation.
And so concluded a beautiful ceremony, marking the retirement of a very well loved parish priest.
But he’s not going far – from mid-December Julian will be living in Teddington.
And we think it is certain we have not heard the last from one of the kindest, most public-spirited and hardest-working men that Riversniffers has ever met.
We wish him all the very best in his retirement.
Hello Julien, I often think about you and today while sorting out some paper work, I came across Suzie remembrnce service. Julien I very much hope that have a long, happy and busy retirement. (Your service looked very special) Looking at the pictures It brings back o many memories of your time in Waldersdale,
So I wish you a happy time as you walk a new path, and I send you so much love,
Janet xx
I just cannot believe he has retired!
Where have all those years gone …..
Ahhh a lovely man.
Julien hope you are enjoying your retirement. You married Lorraine and I in Milton Keynes in 1986 and you were such an inspiration that even now we still chat about you. We will always remember you arriving at the evening reception wearing your crash helmet having just left your moped in the car park. All the very best for a long and happy retirement. John Major
I saw your name on our Teddington parish church noticeboard and just wondered if you were related to Bishop Reindorp whom I remember travelling to South Africa many years ago. Also Adrian Rickards whom I knew in London in the 1950′s who may have been a relative.