A CREW of singing pirates turned a few heads at Truro Cathedral when they came out in force to support one of their own – who was being ordained as a priest.
The Reverend Heather Aston is now the new priest for Meneage, covering the parishes of Mawgan, St Martin, Manaccan and St Anthony on the Lizard: but, aside from her role in the church, her alter ego is Mad Mary Peg of the singing group the Pirates of St Piran, well known for theatrics and bawdy songs at events such as Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival.
At the appearance of the pirates last Saturday, the Right Reverend Tim Thornton, Bishop of Truro, joked that they were the only ones invited to wear fancy dress apart from himself.
Also ordained were Jane Bradbury, serving in the benefice of Helston and Wendron, Peter Graham Butterfield (Gulval and Madron), John Christopher Jukes (Saltash) and Deborah Ann Grigg (Bodmin with Lanhydrock and Lanivet). The Right Reverend Chris Goldsmith, Bishop of St Germans, said: "We know the lives of Heather and Jane and Peter and Deborah and John will change today. No wonder that, with them, we feel anticipation, excitement and anxiety.
"We may live in a society where we are told 'You're a winner!' and urged to 'Believe in yourself' but on this day the best way to embark on Christian ministry is in humility and dependency upon him who calls us and equips us.
"It is in our weakness that God's strength shines most brightly."
Heather was ordained deacon a year ago, and the day after becoming a priest presided at her first Eucharist service, in Manaccan church.
Truro Cathedral also recently held an ordination service for new deacons. Angela Brown is to serve in the parishes of Redruth with Lanner and Treleigh, Alison Jane Hardy in the parishes of Stratton and Launcells, James Luke Hills in Kea, Claire McIlroy in Antony with Sheviock and Torpoint and Elly Sheard in the parishes of the Eight Saints Cluster.
