The Rev Canon Charlie Leeke has been appointed as Incumbent to the Grouped Parishes of Dromara and Garvaghy in succession to the Rev Alan Millar who moved to St Comgall�s, Rathcoole in September 2006.

Born in Aghadowey he worked as an Art Teacher at Bangor Secondary School in the 1960s and was Warden at the Ardnabannon Outdoor Pursuit Centre, Castlewellan (1967-1970). In 1970 he was appointed Development Officer with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. In 1980 he commenced his studies for the ministry; he was ordained in 1983 in St Polycarp�s, Finaghy and his first curacy was at Ballymoney, Finvoy and Rasharkin (1983-1986). He went on to become rector of Eglinton (1986-1997) and later rector of Omagh and Mountfield Parishes (1997-2000). In 2000 he was appointed Development Officer for Reconciliation in the Diocese of Down & Dromore (Think Again Team) and retired from this position in 2006. During his retirement he covered the vacancy at Gilford Parish and more recently, Dromara and Garvaghy since March 2007.

Canon Leeke is married to Beryl, a retired Primary School Advisor with the Western Education and Library Board; their grown up family consists of 3 boys and 2 girls.

The Institution service for the new rector of Dromara and Garvaghy will be held on Tuesday 23rd September 2008 at 8.00pm.

15/07/2008