Bidding a Fond Farewell

The Revd Canon Thomas Woodhouse has been Team Rector of Dorchester and The Winterbournes since 2014, also serving as the Chair of the House of Clergy for Diocesan Synod, and is becoming the the Chaplain of the Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy.

In an open letter to colleagues and friends in the Diocese Thomas says he says he wants to express "My thanks for the many friendships I have built up over the last 14 years.

"Since it was announced that I am moving to become Chaplain of the Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy, the supportive and encouraging comments of friends and colleagues in the diocese have been a blessing that makes packing that bit easier and the prospect of London that little less daunting.

"I have enjoyed making my contribution to our diocesan life as Chair of the House of Clergy and as a member of the Chapter of Salisbury Cathedral and General Synod. It has always seemed important to try to add something back into the life of a diocese and it has been a privilege to have been entrusted with these particular tasks. Thank you."

Thomas, who also served as a parish priest in Royal Wootton Bassett is holding a special service to conclude his ministry in St Mary’s Church, Dorchester on Saturday 14th September at 6pm.

The Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy is a ‘free’ chapel or ‘peculiar’ which has belonged to the Duchy of Lancaster since it was built in 1512. Located at the heart of the historic ‘manor of the Savoy’ it is today the last surviving building of a hospital founded by Henry VII for the poor, needy and homeless. It became a Chapel Royal by Royal Command in 2016.