Meet the coolest vicar in town
Reverend Marion Smith's unconventional choice of transport – a Peugeot 206cc sports convertible – is turning parishioners' heads.
Reverend Smith, 55, of St Peter and Paul Church, St Peter's Way, Harlington, first opted for an open top after her motor-mad son, Stuart, 29, convinced her to buy one, thanks to a special offer from a dealer. Singing the praises of her choice of wheels, the vicar pointed out that it is not only cool, but also very practical in her line of work.
She said: "Once you have a convertible you're converted to it. None of the parishioners really comment on it anymore – although I do occasionally park round the corner at the church so it doesn't draw too much attention. In my job it's vital to have a car that does not let you down. When you're going to a funeral or a wedding, you simply cannot afford to break down."
The vicar at the 12th Century church has taken a four-year lease on the car, through Newgate Motoring Solutions, a specialist organisation that offers discount rates for clergy members to help them get out and about.
She said: "Before this car, I had a purple Ford Escort convertible so I've certainly improved my taste since then. I can't really afford to buy a car like this at the moment, so this offer is really useful."
Mrs Smith plans to lease the £200-a-month car for the next four years, when she will be given an option to buy it. The Harlington vicar conceded she wasn't always this cool when it came to her choice of cars – she used to own a rather mundane looking white Rover.
Scott Thornton, Newgate Motoring Solutions spokesman, said: "It is certainly one of the first times we have ever come across a member of the clergy leasing a convertible. Marion obviously likes the wind in her hair."
Reverend Marion Smith's unconventional choice of transport – a Peugeot 206cc sports convertible – is turning parishioners' heads.
Reverend Smith, 55, of St Peter and Paul Church, St Peter's Way, Harlington, first opted for an open top after her motor-mad son, Stuart, 29, convinced her to buy one, thanks to a special offer from a dealer. Singing the praises of her choice of wheels, the vicar pointed out that it is not only cool, but also very practical in her line of work.
She said: "Once you have a convertible you're converted to it. None of the parishioners really comment on it anymore – although I do occasionally park round the corner at the church so it doesn't draw too much attention. In my job it's vital to have a car that does not let you down. When you're going to a funeral or a wedding, you simply cannot afford to break down."
The vicar at the 12th Century church has taken a four-year lease on the car, through Newgate Motoring Solutions, a specialist organisation that offers discount rates for clergy members to help them get out and about.
She said: "Before this car, I had a purple Ford Escort convertible so I've certainly improved my taste since then. I can't really afford to buy a car like this at the moment, so this offer is really useful."
Mrs Smith plans to lease the £200-a-month car for the next four years, when she will be given an option to buy it. The Harlington vicar conceded she wasn't always this cool when it came to her choice of cars – she used to own a rather mundane looking white Rover.
Scott Thornton, Newgate Motoring Solutions spokesman, said: "It is certainly one of the first times we have ever come across a member of the clergy leasing a convertible. Marion obviously likes the wind in her hair."
