New vicar for St Barnabas

The church has suffered two major blows - first extensive fire damage in November 2005 when the roof was destroyed in an arson attack, then the resignation of vicar Colin Pritchard who was charged and later imprisoned for crimes of sex abuse.

This has been a difficult period for members of St Barnabas church who have been without a permanent vicar for nearly two years, and Father Roger says it is now time to "look forward to the future."

He made no comment on the impact of Colin Pritchard's departure and subsequent disgrace, but said: "I have found a wonderful welcome from the people here. There is a warmth and a real love among the people who are in the congregation at this time.

"I am heartily looking forward to the future. I think we have to look to the future. I believe God has brought me and my family, my wife Alison, to the parish.

"We are going to see the church grow.

"I believe in the healing power of Christ ...I believe in the healing Ministry.

"I believe in the healing of wounds, the healing of memories and past wounds.

"I think we have to look forward to the future. It is the future that matters."

With regard to regenerating St Barnabas itself he said he felt his duty was to the people of the church rather than to bricks and mortar, and decisions about the building would be taken by the Diocesan authority.

"I believe that in five years time there will be at least 150 people worshipping here at St Barnabas. There could be many more...but at least 150. God has brought us into this situation to see the church grow. And by the church I mean people."

The licensing ceremony was attended by acting Archdeacon Rev Edward Bryant, and Rural Dean Rev David Frost as well as clergy representing all the local churches. The Town Mayor of Bexhill Cllr Patrick Douart was also there with wife Maureen, and well wishers and friends joined the congregation. The organist was John Eady, returning for the occasion from his new church in London.

Father Roger, 70, comes to Bexhill from the parish of Finden, Clapham and Patching, and has three grown-up children Andrew, David and Emma, and grandchildren Jamie, Becky, Holly and Jack.

He added: "I think this is an exciting place to be. there are many young people here and young families I've seen as I have walked the streets of Bexhill."

He is a keen painter, reader and expert at sleight-of-hand card tricks, who describes himself as "optimistic".

"The glass is always half full for me - and it is going to be fully full again."