VILLAGERS in Silchester recently welcomed their new priest into the parish with a special licensing event at the village church.

St Mary the Virgin church was the setting for the Bishop of Basingstoke, the Rt Rev David Williams, to welcome the Rev Rob Young and his wife Jackie into the community.

At the ceremony on February 6, Bishop Williams encouraged the new priest to integrate with his new community and serve the local school and village.

Rev Young spent much of his earlier adult life in Old Basing, before moving to Sheffield 15 years ago, after the death of his first wife Daphne.

Jackie then joined him five years later on their marriage.

The pair spent the last five years’ ordination ministering in Sheffield, where Jackie worked as a secretary/personal assistant at Sheffield’s Children’s Hospital, having previously worked in similar roles at Basingstoke Hospital.

Richard Harlow, Rector of Tadley and Silchester, said: “We are delighted that Rob and Jackie will be bringing such a range of skills to serve the community in Silchester.

“We know they will inspire fresh faith and innovation in church and community.”

Formerly a town planner and deputy director at Hart Council, Rev Young already has an understanding of the local area.

He later worked in the voluntary sector as part of the Community Council for Berkshire and Crossroads Caring for Carers, before retiring from paid employment and becoming a self-supporting minister.

Rev Young has two adult children, Emily, who lives in Sheffield and Cyrus, who lives in Cove; five grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Rev Young and his wife enjoy creating together with stained and kiln-fused glass.

They also cycle and Rev Young is hoping to renew his acquaintance with running and local folk music