St Mary the Virgin - Braughing SG11 2QA

Following a long period of vacancy, St Alban’s Diocese, with the agreement of the PCCs concerned, has appointed Rev’d Tayo Falope as our interim vicar for a year. In addition to covering Braughing, Tayo will also be covering Furneux and Stocking Pelham in our Benefice, and Much Hadham, Little Hadham and Albury in the River Ash Benefice – and all on 3 days a week! Tayo will continue to live in Watford where his children attend school and will commute to our villages; it is a lot for him to take on.

The main day to day work will continue to be done by the various PCCs, but Tayo will lead our Sunday worship and any midweek offices. He is very keen to be involved in village life and to meet parishioners, so if you are holding an event you think he might like to attend, please contact the Church Office (churchoffice@btinternet.com) and we will pass it on.

Our Sunday service times will change to 11.00am. The pattern of services will continue as before. Do come along and meet Tayo at one of our services – he is a breath of fresh air for our church.

Introducing our new Vicar, Rev’d Tayo Falope

I was born on February 15, 1973, in Nigeria where I lived and was educated. I hold a degree in law (1995) and a Masters in International Law and Diplomacy (1998).

Prior to ordination, I worked in Nigeria’s 2^nd largest telecoms operator, Globacom Limited as a Regional & Zonal Manager for almost a decade. I later went into oil and gas for a couple of years till I was 50 when I decided to go into full time ministry leaving over 25 years of circular work behind.

My plan in my twenties, was to become a priest about the age of 55. I dreamed of a rural ministry, where nature’s serenity and beauty are in full blast. Alas, I became a priest under the age of 40. And now, my first appointment in (Church of England) is to a rural area at the age of 51. God sure has His way of doing things. An amazing sense of humor if you ask me.

Was I not blown away on my first visit to these parts! Love being here already and looking forward to a blessed time.

My journey into ordained ministry started in 2009, when I started my ordination training in the Diocese of Lagos Mainland, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.

I had my priestly ordination on July 1, 2012. By this, I joined my father (an Archdeacon of Ibadan Diocese) and grandfather (pioneer Bishop of Ilesa Diocese 1974 -19977) as Anglican Clergy.

My father attended my priestly ordination and sadly passed away the week after on 8 July 2012. He saw what his dad did not see – his son being priested in his lifetime.

In the Diocese of St. Albans, CoE, I called myself “the itinerant preacher” – as I ministered / officiated in over 10 churches in less than 2 years, filling in for clergy off duty and, churches in interregnums. In that time, I spent some considerable time at Bushey Parish, St John’s Watford, and All Saints where I did a placement.

I think Church service should be relaxed, refreshing, reflective and above all, a home to divergent views, thoughts, and ideas as all find harmony in the body of Christ who loves us and wants us all. Only Jesus would not be cool with 99 sheep and still go seeking the lost or last one.

My wife is Yvonne, she is a banker. We have 4 kids. 2 girls – Timeyin is 22, is an Economics graduate and works in Lagos (she is a model as well). Ara is 18 is and is studying Law.

The boys IB (spelt “I” & “B” – the shortest version of my full name Ibitayo) is 15, he is an acolyte and wants to be a priest as well. Ethan is 11 wants to be a Ronaldo. Both live with us.

I love football and music and being around people.

We look forward to a blessed and fun time here.