Ex-policeman changes uniforms to join Olympic site hard hats

A police sergeant with 30 years service in the Metropolitan Police has a new beat, serving the people of Stratford in a dual role – as Priest-in-Charge of St Paul's, Stratford and as chaplain to Stratford City construction workers, including workers involved in the building of the Olympic Park.

The Bishop of Barking, the Rt Revd David Hawkins, licensed the Revd Kelvin Woolmer, 51, as priest-in-charge of St Paul's, Stratford and as hard-hat chaplain.

Kelvin says, “I am delighted with these two responsibilities and am really looking forward to both of them. 

“I see my job as one of building relationships and working with the church members and the wider community around St Paul's – and getting to know and serve the construction forward to the challenges that lie ahead.”

Kelvin adds: “At the heart of my ministry is the desire to preach and demonstrate the gospel of Jesus Christ, to break down barriers and show the people of Stratford something of the good news of Jesus.”

Bishop David said: “I am very pleased that Kelvin has been appointed. He is a warm, engaging and down to earth man who is passionate about Jesus Christ. 

“He has broad shoulders, physically, emotionally and spiritually, and the gifts and abilities he brings with him leaves me with no doubt that he is the right person for this post.”

Before moving to Stratford, Kelvin, married to Jean, with three adult daughters, was working as associate minister of St Paul's, Harold Hill. Kelvin trained at East Anglia workers who will be directly responsibility for a physical transformation of this area.

“It's exciting and diverse and I'm really looking Ministerial Training Course between 1998 and 2001 and was ordained in 2001.

Prior to training for ordination, Kelvin was a police officer, serving with the Metropolitan Police in stations across London, and Essex including the West End, Upminster and Tower Hamlets. 

His last police role was as Sergeant at Limehouse Police Station, working on Fraud Investigations.

During his long police career Kelvin was recognised with police commendations three times – twice for saving lives. During his last four years in the Met, Kelvin was also a police Chaplain, a role he much enjoyed - so much so that he went on to become Chaplain to the Air Cadet Corps and a Seasonal Chaplain working in France and Switzerland for the Intercontinental Church Society.

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