STRAINED TEAMS of churchwardens will be further stretched when Marlborough is left without a rector for up to a year when the Rev Canon Andrew Studdert-Kennedy leaves after 16 years.

Fears that the town will be left without a rector have been expressed as lay priests and retired clergy will be solely relied on to carry out services.

The departure will leave the town with a double vacancy, as both St Mary’s Church, on the High Street and St George’s Church, in Preshute Lane, will be without a leader.

Sue Elks, of College Fields, runs a church toddler group and has been a member of St George’s parish for over 30 years.

She said: “We cope at the moment with volunteers but once the rector has gone this will be a bigger problem because there won’t be anyone new for up to a year.

“It is a real worry. St George’s already has had a vacancy for some time so when the rector leaves we won’t have anyone for St Mary’s either.”

Deputy church warden at St George’s, Debi Evans, said: “The immediate problem will be finding a rector before St George’s finds a vicar.

“Nobody would want to be a team vicar when there isn’t a rector leading. We had stability under the rector and when he goes it could all be a bit of a drama.

“We are not quite sure what will happen. All we have at St George’s is a lay minister who is not licensed to do baptisms and weddings, so we rely on retired clergy and that is before the departure of the rector.

“However, we work well as a team.”

From September, Rev Canon Studdert Kennedy will leave the post to move to Uxbridge, leaving Marlborough in a period of interregnum of up to a year while the recruitment of a new rector is carried out.

Mr Studdert Kennedy said: “For a town such as Marlborough the vicar leaving is a moment in its life.

“I have been privileged to be rector here and have my family grow up here so I am leaving with a heavy heart but at the same time I know it is time for a change.

“Although it will feel funny for a bit, before long people will realise that it is good to have a new person in the role.

“There will be a double vacancy but we are making good arrangements for this period. The community’s needs will still be met all the important things will still take place. After 16 years I believe it will be good to get a fresh approach.”

The role will be advertised and a job specification put out which involves consultation with parishioners.

Laura Willis, of Marlborough Anglican Church, said: “We are delighted for Andrew and Annie though distraught at losing them. Everyone will have to pull together to keep things going.”