BARRY’S answer to the Vicar of Dibley has arrived and she’s on a mission to be involved in community real-life.
But step away from coffee, tea, custard, and gravy because the Rev’d Zoë King is in town – and she’s not a fan.
Rev’d Zoë, previously in the Parish of Tongwynlais and originally from Caerphilly, is the ministry area leader with pastoral responsibility for All Saints church, Park Road, in Barry.
She said: “The Anglican churches in Barry serve all people – you don’t have to be a ‘member’ to have wedding, baptism, and funerals. Each of the four churches has a distinct character. I try not to be a despot; official title is ministry area leader and I do all the things a vicar does especially drink peppermint tea and eat cake. I have been in Barry since the end of May.
“I previously sold ice cream in the holiday resort on the Island when it was run by Majestic. Before getting my Holy Orders in 2006 I’d been a primary school teacher and while deciding my vocation worked in David Morgan’s account department.
“I’d like to make sure everyone knows they are loved by God and that all are welcome in the church – no exceptions and I’d like to be involved more in social justice and in community life.”
She said the community could catch them on social media and see what they are doing.
“With covid-19 restrictions things are a little quiet, but we are starting to think how we can engage more with everyone in the community, she said. “I’d hope for people to see us and know we are there for them praying and also know we offer a safe space for anyone who walks through the doors.”
Outside of church life, Rev’d Zoë enjoys walking, cinema, travel, reading and live music.
She said: “I’m a serious West Wing fan and I love photography, but I’m not brilliant. I dislike gory and scary movies. People look at you slightly strangely when I don’t drink tea and coffee. I tend to drink a green tea blend in the house and then peppermint tea outside – and I don’t really like biscuits except ginger nuts, fig rolls, and pink wafers. I get more of a horrified response though when I admit I don’t like gravy or custard.”
As for being likened to the BBC One, Vicar of Dibley, starring Dawn French, she said: “Not so much these days, but when I was first ordained I had long hair – think Crystal Tips – and I got it a lot. I think it was an affectionate look at the vagaries of church life, but not that realistic. I know some people were uncomfortable about some of the content over lockdown but that’s when I enjoyed it most.”
She added: “If you see me out and about say hello.”
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