The PCC is very pleased to be able to inform you that Father Tony Forrest has accepted the post of Interim Priest-in-Charge of the parishes of St. John the Evangelist, Langrish along with East Meon, West Meon and Warnford, commonly known as ‘The Upper Meon Benefice’. It is ‘interim’ because it is, initially at least, for only 3 years but there is a possibility that it could be extended.

Father Tony’s appointment had unanimous support from those involved in the interview process and we are delighted with the outcome. Father Tony has owned a house in East Meon for many years and is currently living there, although he and his wife Linda will move into the vicarage once it is vacated by the current tenants. We have been in vacancy for a long time and to have an experienced priest who knows the area willing to fill this appointment is a relief to those who have been shouldering the burden within the benefice but also gives us all renewed hope for the future.

Tony’s licensing is scheduled for Tuesday 23rd January in All Saints’, East Meon, the exact timing has yet to be confirmed but it will be an evening event and we shall inform you of the time as soon as we know.

It is not foreseen that this appointment will make any difference to our request to close Langrish Church, but it should help smooth the path of absorbing Langrish Parish into that of East Meon when the time comes to do so.