The arrival of Fr Stanbridge restored the traditional pattern of appointments to St Peter's. Born in 1885 in Burton-on-Trent he was one of the astounding number of priests SS Mary & Modwen has supplied in the diocese. He began studies for the priesthood at Cotton College where he became famously known as "the gaoler" due to his skill as wicket-keeper and goalkeeper. (As everyone who has played these sports knows these are often the most pernickety characters who like to be in control). He became head prefect or "public man" and so even early on had some influence.

He was ordained in 1911 at Oscott College and began his ministry in Solihull followed by a number of appointments including Southam. In 1935 after several years as parish priest in Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, he was appointed to St Peter's. He was obviously delighted and thanked everyone for the warm welcome he had received, and recalled his happy years in the district at Solihull and Southam. The honeymoon was to be brief. Just three weeks later he reminded the congregation that the presbytery was "not a public house where people walk through without any qualms. 1. there is a dog, 2. I should not walk in your house. 3. Sure you will see privacy is due to us." (I wonder how many other priests have felt the same!)

Like every good wicket-keeper Fr Stanbridge had a safe pair of hands. He became a member of most public committees thus ensuring the interests of the Church were well represented. On arrival at St Peter's he became Rural Dean and was known as "Dean Stanbridge", so that his Christian name scarcely appears on any parish register, and indeed whilst administering the parish with the utmost care, almost all the baptisms, weddings, etc were performed by the assistant clergy.

Life in the presbytery was also very precise with days off, hours free, and all meal-times well-regulated.

The decade of his ministry was surely the most testing in the history of the parish as the build up to the Second World War was begun. Certainly the resources were very few yet through it all Fr Stanbridge remained strong and resilient.

But on the ending of war a new era was to begin and the Archbishop decided it was time for change in Leamington and in 1945 appointed him to Hampton-on-the-Hill. It was with some reluctance he accepted but with typical thoroughness he left his successor a long hand-written letter giving an account of his ministry as well as advice regarding the future of the parish.

In 1950 he returned to North Staffordshire as parish priest of Alton, where he died and was buried in 1962.

For further information or comments please contact info@stpeterapostle.org