A TEAM ministry covering Saffron Walden and the neighbouring villages has a new assistant curate. Revd Paula Griffths took up her position at St Mary s Church following her ordination as Deacon in Chelmsford Cathedral in September. It is a great joy and

A TEAM ministry covering Saffron Walden and the neighbouring villages has a new assistant curate.

Revd Paula Griffths took up her position at St Mary's Church following her ordination as Deacon in Chelmsford Cathedral in September.

"It is a great joy and privilege to be joining the Saffron Walden Team Ministry," said Revd Griffths who has two daughters and two grandchildren.

"My husband Roger and I moved here 10 years ago and quickly felt at home in the friendly communities of north west Essex, including that of All Saints' Wimbish where I've been worshipping for several years.

"I am delighted to be serving here and look forward to meeting many of you in the coming months."

A history graduate, Revd Griffths has worked for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and for English Heritage where she worked with the team looking after East Anglia.

Later she went to work in the Church of England's national offices in London heading the division dealing with church buildings and cathedrals.

The job involved seeing churches working in all kinds of situations and made Revd Griffths aware of the significance of church buildings as a symbol and space for the whole community, particularly in a rural area.