| CANON CHRIS BARD seemed to live several lives at once. The day of his untimely death, on Sunday 2 September, had all the energy and variety of his extraordinary life. He was up before dawn to present his weekly programme on BBC Radio Essex. He then led two Sunday services at the parishes he had served for 26 years, before flying to Ireland to share his passion for horticulture with a faith community. He died instantly of a heart attack at the airport. He was aged 55 — though, having been born on a leap-year day, he would be quick to point out that he had achieved all of this before his 14th birthday.
After studying at King’s College, London, and Canterbury, Chris Bard was ordained in Durham Cathedral. He served two curacies near Stockton–on–Tees, and worked as diocesan chaplain to the Arts and Recreation. In the late ’70s, he liked to describe himself as chaplain to Punk Rock.
In 1981, he became communications officer for the diocese of Chelmsford, and Vicar of All Saints’, Epping Upland, and All Saints’, Theydon Garnon, where he was instrumental in establishing the Epping District Team Ministry. He was deeply embedded in parish life, serving for 22 years as an elected parish councillor.
He was chairman of Epping Green Community Association, of Epping and Theydon Garnon Joint Charities Trust, and of the governors at Epping Upland Primary School, where he regularly led assemblies. He also contributed a weekly “Bard’s Eye View”to his local paper.
At the heart of this whirlwind of ministry was his wife, Mary, and their children, Ellen and Sarah. Mary shared many broadcasts and other projects with him. They were both committed to the Association of Inter-church Families, of which Chris was until recently the Anglican co-chairman.
Chris started his radio career at BBC Radio Kent, then worked as a volunteer at BBC Radio Cleveland. In 1989, he became faith producer and later presenter at BBC Radio Essex. His weekly programmes were characteristically witty, inclusive, and full of spiritual insight. In a period when some religious producers were becoming marginalised in local radio stations, Chris became increasingly central in his. For more than 20 years, he was part of the character of the station, popping up in news items or in “Tea with the Vicar” slots on the drive-time programme.
The scores of tributes left on the BBC Essex website show how many people regarded him as a friend as well as a spiritual mentor. A key member of the Essex Churches Media Group and the Association of Christians in Media, he mentored a generation of Christians in local radio, and was popular with other producers. His questions at the annual Churches’ Media Conference were loved by delegates and feared by speakers, who knew that a witty observation would lead to an incisive challenge.
Chris’s health was not always good — though he would never complain. He was good-natured, mischievous, always ready to tell a joke, recount a story, or perform a magic trick, but equally able to deliver words of wisdom, comfort, or encouragement. He had an enormously well-stocked mind, and was invariably good company.
His love of horticulture led him to take a course at the nearby Capel Manor College, and his love of people led him to become its first chaplain. In that capacity, he led a team that created a garden, “Growing Together in Faith”, at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Typically, it was posited on the fact that the rose is significant in many faiths. To his absolute delight, the garden won a silver-gilt award. The garden has been recreated at Capel and is to open tomorrow. It will be dedicated to his memory.
The final Vicar’s Letter Chris wrote for his parish magazine ends with the most poignant of words: “It’s time to start something new, take on a new challenge. It might even be the moment to start a new relationship. And that doesn’t need to be with another human being or a pet. You could start a new relationship with God. I’m sure God is ready and willing, if you are.”
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