New Rector for Winchelsea

Canon Whitehead was Inducted as Rector of Winchelsea and Winchelsea Beach and Vicar of Icklesham in St Thomas’ Church, Winchelsea at the end of November. For the last nine years he was the Vicar of Boston Lincolnshire, looking after the prominent St Botolph’s Church. In scale awesome and humbling for any vicar, it is the tallest church in England with dimensions that correspond with dates and times. The roof is supported by 12 pillars (months), the church has 52 windows (weeks), 7 doors (days of the week) and there is a total of 365 steps to the tip of the tower.

There are also 24 steps to the library (hours) and 60 steps to the roof (minutes and seconds).

After thirty-four years of ministry, he has come to be nearer friends and family in Folkestone and Hastings.

A memorable occasion for Robin was the 700th Anniversary of St Botolph’s Church in 2009 which was attended by Princess Anne, Patron of the Restoration Trust, who officially opened the Book Shop and Café which was set up by Robin.

Sixty years ago flood defences were built around Boston which kept the church dry until December 5th 2013 when the North Sea flood of 2013 caused heavy flooding in the church.

After being treated for cancer in 2012 and taking early retirement from Boston, Robin feels greatly rejuvenated to be back in the pulpit and last Friday he celebrated his 61st birthday in Winchelsea with his dog Stella and friends.

Robin is looking forward to getting to know his new parishioners and communities and making the churches places of welcome. He is very keen to see St Thomas’ well-used in the community, both as a place of worship and for concerts, and talks and other events.

Pictured is Canon Whitehead and Stella.