Celebration for the ‘Fire Lady’

The congregation at St Mary’s Church ensured that the Rev Barbara Johnson marked her 70th birthday in style.

The assistant priest who is attached to the benefice of churches that includes St Mary’s, took centre stage following prayers on Sunday, July 26.

Barbara was presented after the morning service with gifts and cards and a big birthday cake which was enjoyed by everyone present.

Eileen Tomlinson presented Barbara with the cake, made by a member of the congregation.

Barbara, who is chaplain to the Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and is known at St Mary’s as the Fire Lady, was 70 on July 20.

A spokesman for the church said: “Barbara has been attached to St Mary’s for more than four years and often takes one of the weekend services.

“She is much loved by everyone and we are very proud to have her on our ministry team.”