THERE will be mixed emotions for a popular vicar who will soon be saying farewell to parishioners at St Mary’s Church, in Old Basing, after eight-and-a-half years.

Father Andrew Bishop, 41, is moving to Surrey to take up the post of Residentiary Canon at Guildford Cathedral, and he will also be taking on duties as a chaplain at the University of Surrey as part of his new role.

Fr Bishop said that he is both excited and sad to be making the move. He said: “I’m really looking forward to a new challenge but I’m going to miss being in Old Basing, and all the wonderful people I have met.”

Fr Bishop will be making the move with his wife Alice, and their four children, Edmund, Charles, Hugh and Beatrice, who are aged between three and 12.

He said: “I’ve made a lot of friends and have been fortunate enough to see people at really important stages of their lives – at christenings, weddings, and sadly funerals.

“St Mary’s is a beautiful church and I feel very privileged to have been able to spend so many years here. It’s been a very happy time in my life.

“But I’m excited about the next chapter of my life, which will be very different to the work I have been doing at Old Basing. I’m looking forward to working with the students. Hopefully, I will be able to make a difference.”

Fr Bishop will make the move in the summer and will conduct his final service at St Mary’s Church, The Street, Old Basing, on Sunday, July 10.