Brian Blandford (retired)
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Brian Blandford (retired)

Brian Blandford was the previous Pastor at Central. He and his wife Mair served at Central for 21 years. The following is excerpted from a summary of Brian's retirement. Sadly Brian passed away suddenly in December 2008.

6th April 2002
The church building was packed last Saturday as people came to thank Brian and Mair for their 21 year ministry together at Central, and to give thanks to God for all he has done through them. Brian was noticeably reticent about the event, worried that it would sound "like his obituary"!

Brian's retirement

Peter Scrase, the senior Deacon, opened the service. Susan Stubbington then led the congregation in some worship songs. Adrian Cook played the piano for the service. This weekend was his 30th wedding anniversary; Brian had conducted the marriage service for Adrian and Christine 30 years ago at his previous church in Penarth.

Jonathan Greaves, who is himself now a Baptist minister at a church in Monmouth, spoke of the Godly example Brian and Mair had set him as he grew up in the Central Baptist Church (where he became a Christian and was baptised). Emma Price then sang a beautiful solo.

Roy Jenkins, a Baptist minister and full-time radio producer, known to listeners to the Radio 4 morning service, gave what he described as a "word" (as opposed to a "sermon" -- the latter is somewhat longer he claimed!). He spoke on Revelation chapter 3, the same passage he spoke on at Brian's induction 21 years earlier. (He'd lost his notes from that occasion, which he said was probably a good thing or anyone who was there last time would be bored!).

Brian and Mair expressed their thanks, saying they would miss everyone. Brian emphasised that he couldn't have achieved so much without the help and support of Mair.

Kathryn Morgan the area superintendent spoke about the future for Central.
Brian and Mair, you will both be greatly missed at Central. You have worked so hard for the Church, and given so much of yourselves to each of us; your time, talents and resources - sharing in our joys and our sorrows.