Rev Tom Returns Home To Become Vicar Of Ventnor And Bonchurch

It will be some homecoming when the Rev Tom Burden becomes vicar of Ventnor and Bonchurch.

Tom grew up in the town and made his lifelong commitment as a Christian in St Catherine’s Church, Ventnor, more than 30 years ago.

He is currently the director of an international school in Jerusalem, and says that he has found the only job that would tempt him to return to the UK.

His father was a well-known builder in the area and he still has family living in the town. Its Botanic Garden is one of his favourite places in the world.

Earlier this year, Tom became interim director of the Anglican International School in Jerusalem, where the majority of teachers are Jewish and many of his students are Palestinian.

He was there as the horrific conflict broke out in October, and the school has been affected by nearby terrorist attacks.

He’ll return from Israel to take up his new role as vicar of St Catherine’s and Holy Trinity, Ventnor, and St Boniface, Bonchurch, in March. He’ll succeed the Rev Hugh Wright, who retired earlier this year.

“I grew up in Ventnor until I went to university at the age of 18,” said Tom.

“My mother still lives in our family house in Zig Zag Road – half of the house in my new parish but half isn’t!

"My father, Keith, was a local builder, my grandfather was a town councillor, and my great-great-grandfather was the town police sergeant."

“I sang in the choir at St Alban’s Church in Ventnor, which was an important foundation, but my journey as a Christian really began after a teacher invited me to take part in a play at St Catherine’s Church.

“This is the only parish that would ever have tempted me to come home from Jerusalem."

As a boy, Tom was part of Ventnor Bowling Club, and he hopes to re-join it on his return. Sport is important to him, and he has been a season-ticket holder for Southampton FC and enjoyed watching cricket at Hampshire’s Rose Bowl.

He is a governor at Portsmouth Grammar School.

Tom will be licensed by the Bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Rev Jonathan Frost, at St Catherine’s Church, Ventnor, on March 13.