A NEW reverend for the area around Whitchurch has been licensed.

At a ceremony at All Hallows Church on May 16, The Reverend David Roche received his license from the Bishop of Basingstoke, David Williams, surrounded by his family and congregation, as well as local dignitaries.

As the newly-appointed priest-in-charge of the Benefice of Whitchurch with Tufton with Litchfield, Rev’d David is now in charge of All Hallows in Whitchurch, St Mary’s in Tufton and St James the Less in Litchfield.

Rev’d David said: “I’ve only been here for four weeks and I feel so welcomed by the community already, when I have been walking down the road, people have been smiling and have had a chat. Whitchurch is a great place and I am really looking forward to getting started.”

This new parish is a big change from where David had just come.

Previous to Whitchurch, he was a mission partner with his wife Amy in Beirut, Lebanon, for the past four years.

David was a vicar with the international congregation and Amy worked pastorally.

Revd David added: “It certainly is a contrast, going from Lebanon to Whitchurch. I sometimes have to pinch myself to see the change. We sometimes have deer in the garden here! We are very grateful to be here and be a part of the community.”

Revd David has moved to Whitchurch with his wife Amy, as well as their three younger children, Grace, 13, Zach, 12 and Levi, 10. Abbie and Bethany, their eldest, have both recently married.

The new reverend is looking forward to starting, and getting involved in the community. He added: “I’m looking forward to working the community, especially the local schools. We’re going to inviting people in, to show that we are hospitable and that they are welcome here.”