Meet the new rector of

WIMBORNE Minster church is not only in safe hands, it is in capable and confident hands.

The new rector, the Rev Vanessa Herrick was instituted in the Minster by the Bishop of Salisbury and inducted by the Archdeacon of Dorset on Thursday and took up her duties today (Friday 3rd February).

Although this is Rev Herrick's first parish of her own, she has gained invaluable experience since her ordination as a deacon in 1996. The first women priests were ordained two years earlier.

Serving her curacy in the cathedral parish of St James, Bury St Edmunds, she went on to become chaplain and fellow of Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge.

Her next appointment was director of ministry and vocation in the Diocese of Ely where she spent 12 years teaching ordinands.

She was made an honorary Canon of Ely in 2003.

"I hadn't been sitting waiting for the post at Wimborne to become vacant, but when two close friends, both bishops, suggested I should apply, I felt it was my vocation," she said, adding that she visited the town some 20 years ago whilst taking a holiday in Dorset with her husband David, who is also ordained, and two sons, Adam, now 27 and Peter, now 25.

"I can remember that the boys were very taken with the Model Town," she added.

The Rev Herrick sees comparisons between Ely and Wimborne.

"The Christian communities were both founded by formidable Saxon women," she said smiling.

She is aware that some members of the congregation could be anxious about the appointment of the first woman rector of the Minster.

"The Church of England is getting used to women in senior posts," she said. "I don't see women priests as a theological issue. It is more about women doing big jobs."

Born in Highgate in 1958, she said she grew up in 'a conservative, evangelical context'.

What does she hope to achieve in Wimborne?

"I would like the church to reach out into the wider community. I hope to forge good links with schools, the town council and the business community and to network to see where the life of the church needs to be connecting. I hope the Minster will grow in depth that goes beyond easy answers."

She added that she also hopes to work with leaders of the other churches in the town.

Music has been a major part of the Rev Herrick's life.

As a child she sang in the church choir, and having become a Licentiate of Trinity College of Music at the age of 17, went on to study the recorder, keyboards and singing at the University of York.

She also has a number of other interests including the theatre, contemporary art, and following cricket and rugby.

Walking is also a hobby and she has tackled a number of long distance projects including the pilgrimage road to Santiago de Compostela and Hadrian's Wall.

And having received a set of golf clubs from Ely she has another hobby in her sights.

"There might be times when I won't be here - I'll be on a course - a golf course," The Rev Herrick said.

Her husband is at present acting principal of the St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocesan Ministry Course which is based in Bury St Edmunds, but he hopes to find a role in the south of England in the near future.

Speaking to the Stour and Avon Magazine on Monday, The Rev Herrick said: "I'm not nervous about the event as I've been part of a huge amount of big services, but I am aware of the enormity of what will be happening in this stage of the Minster's life. I suppose you could say I am both excited and terrified about the big responsibility of being rector at Wimborne Minster, but I know this is where God is calling me. "

The Rev Herrick enjoys preaching, but admits the preparation is not always easy.

"It is a huge privilege and responsibility as you have the attention of a big group of people."

She finished with words of reassurance to the Minster congregation.

"I come affirming what is here and with no idea of sweeping everything out. I want to listen to people and to God and to make people feel safe and secure. On the other hand, the worshipping life of the Minster will grow, but any changes will be the PCC's decision."

Marilyn Barber