Church gives unique gift to beloved vicar

A Peterborough church has given a unique gift to their beloved vicar to celebrate her 60th birthday.

On Saturday, the Reverend Jackie Bullen (pictured), who has been the vicar of St Botolph’s Church in Longthorpe since 2017, celebrated her 60th birthday.

She received a variety of gifts from parishioners and colleagues including a generous cheque and flowers but also an unusual present from the ministry team - a movie director’s chair.

The gift was in recognition of the raft of new skills Jackie has had to master this year as church services have been forced to move online. These include recording services, live streaming and posting on social media, all from her mobile phone.

She has also acquired a huge amount of expertise and directorial insights, including video editing, and managing to splice contributions from members of the congregation into the correct positions for recorded and live services.

The parish also marked the occasion with a celebratory afternoon tea online, with local caterer Bridget Steele having special teas delivered.

Churchwarden Brain Green said: “With tongue firmly in cheek I can say Jackie has always enjoyed directing things.

“We hope the director’s chair will be a reminder of all that she’s achieved with her new video skills, as well as the hard work entailed and the fun that’s often ensued.

“But on a more serious note, the way she has managed to keep church life going through the pandemic by learning all these new techniques has been amazing.”

Jackie, who loves watching films in her spare time, added: “I was surprised and thrilled to get these lovely gifts and want to thank the parish for making this such a truly special occasion, which I was able to celebrate with my husband Neil, who has his own group of parishes in South Lincolnshire.