THE new reverend of the Canalside in Trowbridge hopes to unite communities to work together when he takes up his new post next month.

John Rees, who has been serving Rowde and Bromham since 2010, said the move will mark a new chapter in his ministry after previously working as a business development manager for BT Defence. It was trying to juggle both his passions that led him to fully dedicate his time to the church.

“The journey of being ordained was a long one,” the 58-year-old said. “The idea was posed to me when I was aged 20 and I had a very clear sense of wanting to have a role within the church as I was already a church warden.

“I loved doing my work in the defence industry and I was finding that trying to fit in 50 hours of work and 20 hours with the church was difficult so I went freelance in defence communications.

“It became clear to me that I needed to go full time in my ministry role and it fitted in well with where my family were at the time.

“The role of being a reverend is a privilege and joy because there has been some sad occasions where you work with people in very difficult times of their lives but on the opposite of that you work with people in their most joyous moments.”

Revd Rees will serve Hilperton, Staverton, Whaddon, Semington and Hilperton Marsh which will be marked with a special service with the Bishop of Ramsbury and Archdeacon of Wiltshire on June 27.

Prior to moving to Bromham, Revd Rees along with his wife Anne, were based in Highworth where they lived from the time they got married in 1982. They are both now looking forward to exploring west Wiltshire including taking their 10-year-old dog Frodo on walks along the canal.

“I am passionate about working in communities and being known to people so they can come to me with whatever they need and I also want the get the churches in the villages working together,” Revd Rees said.

“One of the things that I’m looking forward to is meeting people and getting to know them which I have been able to do in Rowde and Bromham. Our dog loves walking the canals and there is nothing like taking the dog for a walk and meeting people on your travels. I am in no doubt people around canalside will see me out with Frodo and my wife Anne and I share the excitement of moving.”

Revd Rees had a farewell service at Rowde Academy before his last service in the parishes this Sunday.