The two buildings are part of the same project and are built on the site of the former vicarage and garden.
Today Dickens Whinney himself, or, to give him his correct title, Bishop Michael Whinney came to visit.
Michael, as older Bermondsey readers will remember, was head of Cambridge University Mission (now the Salmon Centre) before he became the Vicar of St James in 1966, when he brought with him a ready made congregation from CUM in an early form of church-planting.
He is also a member of Charles Dickens' family, and with there being so many references to Dickens in Bermondsey, Dickens Whinney seemed a natural name for the new block of flats next to the vicarage.
Today Michael and Veronica toured both buildings and met one of the residents next door, and members of the Diocesan Housing Association, plus members of our own PCC, the Diocesan property department, and members of CUM from the Whinney's time, joined together for a celebratory lunch, after which the other Bishop Michael (he of Woolwich) formally dedicated the new vicarage.
As Steve, from the housing association, said: it has been a win-win scheme, with a new vicarage for the parish, and eight new flats for families in need.
I knew Mike when I was a member of the C.U.M., I even stayed overnight at his flat at Mill pond Bridge, his wife was so very kind. Mike was a massive influence on me- I grew up a better man than I was a boy , now at 73 years old I've only this night found out about his ancestors Charles Dickens, he never mentioned it, even when we boys went camping on the Isle of Wight I hope he is well
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