A reception was held to commemorate the retirement of the esteemed Reverend Michael Bolley, Vicar of the Holy Trinity Church, who has dedicated 24 years of service to the parish.

The reception took place the Holy Trinity Church Hall, located at Park View Road in Southall, at 12 noon on Sunday 4th June 2023. It was an opportunity for the community and colleagues to gather and express their gratitude for Reverend Bolley’s work in Southall.

Councillor Ranjit Dheer, who has known Reverend Bolley for over two decades, had the honor of being the first person to pay tribute to him.

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John Murphy, the secretary of Hope for Southall Street Homeless, expressed his gratitude for the immense impact of Reverend Bolley's support. He recalled "the passion of people supporting people with no hope".

Janpal Basran, the Director of Southall Community Alliance, has had the privilege of knowing Michael for approximately 20 years. Michael has served as a dedicated and professional trustee for the Southall Community Alliance for a significant period of time.

He expressed deep appreciation, stating that the SCA (Southall Community Alliance) owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Michael for his invaluable contributions.

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He said that "Michael has allowed this building to be used as a hub for our communities, for the multicultural communities of Southall. That is something we applaud."

Canon Mark Poulson, presiding over the speech ceremony, acknowledged Michael's remarkable commitment as a trustee for various organizations.

He mentioned that Michael had given up so many hours to be trustee of many different organisations to ensure that he had an influence on lots of different spheres of civic life within Southall.

He said "These are really heartfelt, tributes Michael and I hope that you feel suitably affirmed and encouraged by them because I think your contribution has been immense in Southall."

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Reverend Bolley said that "a community like this is diverse. We acknowledge and reflect and honour diversity. We don't try to pretend actually we are all the same."

"We are different. We are diverse but we respect and honour each other, and that we can work together."

This was the initial vision behind the establishment of the Southall Faith Forum.

We wish Michael and Monica Bolley all the very best on this new journey upon which they are embarking.