Diocese marks the passing of a Pioneering Lay Minister

22/01/10

Dora Lockett, the first ever woman Reader to be licensed in the Diocese, died on 16 January, aged 94. Her Funeral is on Wednesday 27th January at 12 noon at Holy Trinity Northwood, where she served throughout her ministry.

She is remembered with fondness by former curates. John Spinks, the Warden of Readers in Willesden, who served at Holy Trinity, recalls that:

"Having been interviewed at the vicarage by the then Incumbent it was apparent there was a second filter waiting in the wings – Dora! Dora immediately assumed the role of the Headmistress (old school) and explained in rather forthright terms her role in the parish as a Reader.

"This approach belied one of the most delightful, loving and respected people in the parish; someone you could go to not just for information on just about anyone in Northwood, but how to handle them and providing sound advice as well as a confidant.

"Towards the end of her life we met up again, and I visited her at home – nothing had changed; still an active interest and knowledge of one’s own family and anyone you could name.

"The Bishop of Willesden continued to grant her Reader status and she regarded it as a great honour to have served under several Incumbents. A dedicated, prayerful and caring person who was in her former days a key-player in the running of the parish".

The Revd Olwen Field, Vicar of West Drayton, says

"I have fond memories of Dora’s kindness and encouragement during my time at Holy Trinity. She was totally supportive when I was made a priest, on that occasion gave me a little gold cross attached to a pin clasp and asked me to keep it in my cassock pocket, I keep it there, even today.

"We prayed together regularly, she saw it as her duty as a Reader to support me in my ministry and I know that during my time at HT and Mount Vernon she prayed for me every day. She preached some excellent and thought provoking sermons, particularly at Evensong (although there were other occasions as well).

"She was stoic in her increasing disability I don’t think I ever remember a time when she didn’t have to wear an arm crutch to move around."

She is remembered by Ann Kentfield, a fellow Reader in the parish:

"Dora was the first woman to be a Reader in the London Diocese - licensed in the early 70s and has served faithfully at Holy Trinity ever since, as well as much appreciated help at neighbouring churches.

"Her family came from central London to Northwood in the mid 1930s. She was a well known, loved and respected Headmistress (of Harefield, lastly) and a very longstanding & important part of the Guide movement. Dora was made an MBE. She had an outstanding gift of establishing rapport with all ages, and particularly with children. She has been a tower of strength in prayer and support to many people. Even when she was less able to get about, she maintained a very significant pastoral ministry via the phone. Holy Trinity will not be at all the same without her."

The Bishop of London said:

"The unsung heroes of the Church of England are its laity. Dora Lockett epitomised the life and service of the baptised, as well as being a trail-blazer for women in Reader ministry. We thank God for her life and witness."