A MUCH-LOVED Redditch Reverend with an unmistakable sense of humour has died at the age of 80.
Rev Michael (Mike) Herbert, described as a minister of God, a father, scout, and a lover of language and music, passed away on November 20 and will be fondly remembered by those who knew him.
Born in Peterborough on November 22, 1935, the eldest child of Gwen and bus driver Reg, Mike would become a keen scout and go on to graduate from Nottingham University with an honours degree in French before completing deferred National Service.
During his time as a choir boy in Peterborough, Mike was introduced to Betty, and following some long-distance courting, the couple were married in Folkstone in 1965.
After moving between Northampton and Peterborough, Betty and Mike welcomed their daughters, Jane and Anne, to complete the family.
A phonecall in 1984, would, to quote Betty, invite Mike “to look at a strange little place called Webheath, Redditch with a view to becoming Vicar at St Philips and chaplain to the needle industry,” – the family accepted and the folk of Webheath welcomed the family, soon coming to appreciate Mike’s sense of humour during his 16 and a half years with them.
The devoted vicar was also involved in setting up a Credit Union in Redditch and promoted projects such as the Redicentre and links with Berlin for training exchanges.
A service to celebrate the life of Rev Herbet was held at St Stephen’s Church on December 9.
