THE Rev John Fearn has documented his life in the ministry in a new book called Clerical Errors.

From his initial calling and early years after ordination, it goes on to cover 38 years working for the Church of England as curate, priest-in-charge, vicar, rector and Christian stewardship adviser.

Perhaps the most gripping read is the chapter which encompasses the new curate in Bladon dealing with the death of Sir Winston Churchill, and his subsequent interment in the small village churchyard.

"I was innocent, I was nave and I was totally unprepared for what was to come," John says.

"The events of the next 12 months would provide enough material for at least a dozen books."

Bladon became the focus of international interest, with double yellow lines, new tarmac and six red phone boxes (for the Press) appearing overnight.

"It was very strange watching the ceremonial of the processions from the lying in state at the Palace of Westminster, to St Paul's Cathedral, knowing that it was all going to end up in Bladon.

"We watched the service in the cathedral, and the Churchill family as they emerged. Then followed the procession of the cortege down to the River Thames. Then the trip across the river. The great cranes alongside the wharves dipping in a final mark of respect. Then the short journey to Waterloo station and the placing of the coffin aboard the train.

"As the train pulled slowly out of the station, I remember saying to my wife: 'I must go now and put on my cassock, and go up to the church to wait for the cortege'. It was unreal. But it happened," he writes.

With wry humour and sympathetic self-awareness, the book covers both spiritual and personal experiences in the life of a parish priest, with insight into the practicalities of running an Anglican parish in the 20th century and the state of health of the church itself.

Weddings that nearly didn't come off, church pews that nearly caused arrest, multi-baptisms and a stand-off with a rector all feature.

The parishes of Redditch in Worcestershire, Bladon with Woodstock in Oxfordshire, Ruscombe and Twyford in Berkshire, Westmill and Great Munden in Hertfordshire, and Herefordshire, where John spent the final 12 years of his ministry as full-time Christian Giving (Stewardship) Advisor, all feature.

The book will have an obvious appeal to all those with an interest in the inner workings of the Church of England at parish level, as well as for members of the parishes described.

It is available from SPCK at 3, Palace Yard, Hereford, priced £7.99, as well as from the author on 01432 760060, or john_fearn@bigfoot.com.