Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Derek Bond - from Harringay vicar to Essex Bishop
It is very sad to report the death of the Rt Rev Derek Bond on July 21. He was latterly the Bishop of Bradwell in Essex but there may be some reading these pages who knew him as the Vicar of St Paul's Church, Harringay back in the 60s.
That was when I knew him and I spent many happy hours talking with him about religion and faith. I was a trainee reporter on the Hornsey Journal and he was one of the clergy whom I would visit each week to gather news for the paper. I would leave him until last to give me more time.
Of all the priests I dealt with in those years he was far and away the most urbane and kindly. He knew then that his task where my soul was concerned was lost - I was and remain an atheist. But never once did he resort to any criticism. He would argue his position, listen to mine, chuckle at times at what was then for sure my naievity but always it was a discussion.
He went on to greater things, via Archdeacon of Colchester to become Area Bishop of Bradwell in 1976. How strange that he should die in the next best heatwave to that far off event of 76. He was 91 and had not really retired, merely stepped back a bit.
His boss, the Bishop of Chelmsford paid tribute: "He was easy to talk to, caring and hospitable. He will be remembered with great fondness by many people."
I entirely endorse that. I am grateful to him for the time he willingly and amicably spent with an unrepentant sinner. And he would have laughd at that thought.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Charlotte on
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What a kind post. It is lovely when people leave you with long lasting warm memories.
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Permalink Reply by Richard Woods on
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Thank you and yes - even his loss warmed my heart.
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Permalink Reply by Pete on
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Thank you for posting this, Richard. I'm the current vicar of St Paul's Harringay. It's heart-warming to learn about my predecessors and how well they loved people.
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Hi - and thank you for that. I got to know many priests quite well during my days as a hack. I would put Derek and the then Rector of Hornsey, Sam Kemble at the top of my list of favourite people. And in some ways, as I was then quite young I would have to say that, despite my lack of religious faith, both were inspiring to a young man.
Derek encourage me to read much of the bible - "You want to disagree you need to know what you are against" he said. I doubt many atheists can say they j=have read the Bible!
And Sam kept in my mind that we all have our allegiences but the most important one is to each other. He would drop in to the Hornsey Cale i think it was on a Friday evening. I would often be there. One day a serious old soak and regular asked Sam: "Why do you come here among these heathens". Sam paused for a gulp of ale and then said: "Well, even if you won't come to my place there's no reason I shouldn't come to yours..." We all laughed but I have never forgotten what he meant when he said it. Good fortine in your ministy.
Regards
Richard
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Permalink Reply by Geraldine on
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Thanks for this, Richard. A good read, it made me regret not knowing him back in the 1960s. He sounds to have been the epitome of a good churchman - kind, uncritical, and above all, one who listened as well as he spoke.
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Yes he was indeed a super chap. I also recall he had a lovely and charming wife who was also a great asset. I had a lovely reply too from the current vicar.
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I’ve been able to forward these memories and comments to Bishop Derek’s widow and family - he was a friend of my parents since he retired to Saffron Walden - and and they have been very much appreciated. His funeral will take place at St Mary’s Church, Saffron Walden on Wednesday 15th August at 2pm.
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Hi _ Sadly I was away in Cheshire for the past wek so mised this. It is only a short drive so i would have gone. Good to hear he family have had some comfort from our memoires.
Regards
Richard
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