IT WAS a night of celebration for the Cannings and Redhorn team when they welcomed their new Team Rector, the Rev Richard Curtis.

The licensing service was conducted by the Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Rev Nicholas Holtam, assisted by the Archdeacon of Wilts, the Venerable Sue Groom.

All Saints Church in All Cannings was full, bringing together parishioners from All Cannings, Bishops Cannings, Chirton, Etchilhampton, Marden, Stert, Urchfont and Wilsford.

Despite the threat of rain, the sun shone and the six tower bells, under the captaincy of John Mead with ringers from across the team, rang out before the crucifer and choir from Bishops Cannings led the procession into church.

Family and friends were also in attendance from Rev Curtis' previous parishes in Leicester, and from the parish of his wife, the Rev Jane Curtis, who has recently taken over in Royal Wootton Bassett.

The appointment of Rev Curtis brings to a close two years of uncertainty after periods of ill-health and then the retirement of Rev William Lang.

After ordination in the early 1990s, Rev Richard has worked in several posts in urban and rural Leicestershire.

He brings a wealth of experience of working with local communities together with knowledge of the wider church through his contribution to the diocesan synod, the diocesan advisory committee and the diocesan education board.

Rev Richard is keen and determined to be a visible presence in all the Cannings and Redhorn communities and is focused on developing long-lasting links with all the people of his parishes in addition to strengthening relationships with the four church schools in the team.

Rev Richard said he has already enjoyed attending several local events including school and village fetes.

He said: “I’m excited about finding out more about you and I look forward to you finding out more about me.

"I’m also looking forward to getting to know our part of Wiltshire and I’m open to suggestions of places I should visit.”

You might also see Rev Richard out running; through marathons, half-marathons and the odd fun run, he has now raised nearly £25,000 for Parkinson’s UK.