Meet the Adults
Revd Caspar Bush – Team Rector of the Marden Vale Benefice
Caspar became Rector of St Mary's Church Calne two years ago, and arrived here with a vision and hope for establishing a new youth choir as a way of helping the church connect with a new generation. He's a keen choral singer himself, and part of Calne Choral, and was very excited to be given a 15 second solo in their Christmas 2024 concert!Before he was a vicar, Caspar was a dairy farmer for over 20 years. He still loves the fresh air in all weathers, and goes for a run round Calne most mornings, come rain or shine. He is married to Alice, and they have three adult children and two baby grandchildren.
Ms Jemima Palfreyman – Director of Music
Jemima was delighted to take on the role of Director of Music for St Mary’s Church as part of ‘Project 2026’, a formative time for the church. Jemima trained at the Royal Northern College of Music and is a Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music. In the few years that Jemima has lived locally, she has established herself as a highly respected musician, in particular as an active pianist and valued teacher.
Jemima is married to David, and lives in a converted chapel with their ginger cat, Tracer, and royal python, Bran. They can often be seen enjoying all the local events Calne has to offer, and are actively involved in Heddington Amateur Dramatics Society.
Revd Carly Taylor – Assistant CurateRevd Carly Taylor – Assistant Curate
Carly recently started her ministry at St Mary's Church, Calne as Assistant Curate, following her ordination in June. She has fond memories of singing in the choir at her grandfather's church as a young child and is excited to help support and encourage a new generation of singers.
Prior to ministry, Carly was a neonatal nurse for nearly 20 years. In her spare time, she loves being outdoors, swimming and walking the family dog Eric. Carly is married to Danny and they have two teenagers.
Mrs Mary Pilcher-Clayton – Accompanist
Mary worked part time at The John Bentley/Kingsbury Green School from 1991-2020. She was the school accompanist for exams and concerts, piano, keyboard and theory of music teacher, and was also involved in GCSE and A level music support. Mary also worked for the Wiltshire Music Service until its closure in 2015. Mary now does a small amount of private music tuition.
In addition to a host of music qualifications at degree level and above, in 2022 Mary was awarded an honorary degree by Bath Spa University in recognition of outstanding services within the Education sector.
Mary is an active member of St Mary’s Church, she serves on the PCC, sings in the choir and helps out with music, and is a Lay Worship Leader.
Mary has been married to Hugh for 48 years, they have two adult children and three young grandchildren.