Your Letters: former student wears old school badge on vicar rounds

As a former Spalding lad Westlode School (1971-73, Gleed Boys 1973 -78, resident at Ivo Cottage children’s home 1971-78), and now vicar in the Newcastle Diocese I thought you would be interested to see this photo of me just about to go out and about in my village parish.

My daily walk around the parish is to bring good cheer, lifting people’s spirits and morale during what is to some a a fearful time, offering what practical and spiritual support I can.

You will note that I am wearing the old Gleed Boys Secondary Modern School badge on my cape and proud to do so.

The Latin meaning: ‘In this sign is my hope’ (a reference to the cross of Christ).

Which is quite poignant really because after leaving the school in 1978 and ending up trying to commit suicide twice then being sectioned on a mental health ward, finding myself homeless on the streets of Chester, I found faith.

So having recently obtained a duplicate of my old school badge, I now wear it on my clerical cape as a reminder to me of my days at Gleed Boys but also a reminder to me of the path I eventually followed.

Rev Mark Edwards MBE

Vicar within the

Newcastle Diocese

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