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Father Charles de Lapasture joined the staff of the Sacred heart Church in Bournemouth in 1884, and was immediately assigned to the districts of Boscombe and Pokesdown.

It became a familiar sight to see him riding his tricycle through the streets of Boscombe, or pushing it along with a crowd of children clinging to him.

In later years, he often gave pennies to boys to help push him up the hill towards Southbourne Road. He became very well known throughout all areas of Boscombe and Pokesdown. Father de Lapasture was the first priest to administer to the areas presently served by St. Thomas More church.

Father Charles de Lapasture was able to count on the co-operation and support of members of the laity, including the Baroness Pauline von Hugel, Miss Paley - who started a catechism class at her home in Owls Road - and Mr Burt, in whose house in Shelley Road, Father de Lapasture was able to offer Mass from time to time.

With the arrival of the Religious of the Cross in Parkwood Road in 1886, a natural centre for Catholic organisation became available and it was possible for Mass to be said regularly in a small chapel in their temporary home.

In January 1888, a temporary church was opened, and in the succeeding years, the number of Catholics increased, so that in 1886 the present church of Corpus Christi was opened. This became a separate parish in 1897, with Father de Lapasture being the first parish priest. It was to this church that the people in the present St. Thomas More area, would travel to hear mass.

Father de Lapasture continued to minister to the Catholics of the district for many years, remaining on the parish staff as an assistant at the completion of his term as a parish priest.

In 1909 a presentation was made to him on the completion of 25 years of service in Boscombe, and the beautiful Spanish professional cross is a permanent memorial to this occasion.

Father de Lapasture was active until a few days before his death in May 1923 at the age of 84, having served the people of Boscombe, Pokesdown and Iford for 39 years.

John Young DMA