Father Clive’s Leaving

LEIGH Parish’s priest in charge is set to leave his post at St Clement’s Church and take up ministry in South West Australia.

Father Clive Hillman, 53, has officially announced his resignation from the church, six months after announcing his intention to move to Australia.

The news comes after nearly 10 years of ministry at the central Broadway church, which Father Clive has before called ‘Leigh’s Westminster Abbey’.

Father Clive had originally announced that he would be leaving for Australia in March, to take up the role of Rector of Rector in the parish of South Perth, but this role was then filled. Now, he will fly to Australia in November, to take up a role in the office of Archdeacon Assisting, which is a role the Church of England does not have.

The role is similar to an being an Archdeacon, but it does not have a specific geographical Archdeaconry portfolio.

He confirmed that he is looking forward to his new role, but admits he will greatly miss his Leigh Parish.

Starting in 2014, Father Clive has held a significant position within the Leigh community. He has actively served as a town councillor at Leigh Town Council, participating in a multitude of crucial civic occasions and services, all while championing the essence of communal unity.

Father Clive also maintains deep familial ties to Leigh. His roots run deep, with fond memories of spending summer breaks in the town due to his relatives residing in the borough, particularly on his maternal side.

While expressing gratitude for the abundant kindnesses and unwavering support he’s encountered, Father Clive has arrived at a juncture where he believes it’s time to embark on a new chapter in his journey.

He said about his next step:  “It’s very exciting and a bit daunting.

“I’m looking forward to a different role and responsibilities, learning a new way of life and having sunny weather.”

He added: “Leigh has many good and faithful people seeking to do the best for all and it’s been a privileged to know them.

Father Clive’s last Sunday service will take place on October 22 at 8am, a sung parish mass at 10am followed by a lunch for the congregation and a 4pm Evensong, which is followed by drinks for the whole parish communality.

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