Lyneham's First Priest for over 40 Years

St. Michael and All Angels Church Lyneham celebrated the licensing and installation of a new Priest in Charge of the Parish of Lyneham with Bradenstoke tonight.

A single church bell tolled at exactly 8.30pm, struck by the newly appointed Reverend Anthony Fletcher, to signify the installation ceremony was complete and the start of his ministry.

A packed congregation at St. Michael's church with local church dignitaries, church wardens, parishioners, representatives from both Lyneham schools, the chairman of the Parish Council and local community organisations, witnessed the installation ceremony.

The Licensing was a landmark occasion for the community, because the local church has been served proudly by the Royal Air Force Chaplaincy for over 40 years. [Previous Incumbents].

Twelve months ago, almost to the day, the Government announced the closure of the airbase by 2012 and the community has made positive moves with the installation of a civilian Priest in Charge.

The Reverend Anthony Fletcher affirmed his promise and repeated the oath to the people saying, " I, Anthony Peter Reeves Fletcher, swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her heirs and successors, according to law: so help me God."

During the celebration, the sermon which was conducted by the Right Reverend David Stancliffe Lord Bishop of Salisbury, outlined a new motto for Tony's ministry "Come and See" COME together in the community and SEE what the Community has to offer to God. The Bishop finished his sermon with a small task for Rev. Tony Fletcher to write a letter in a few weeks time, to him, highlighting what he has found with the community interfacing with the church.

Tony Fletcher is no stranger to the Lyneham and Bradenstoke Parish churches. After his ordination he served in the RAF Chaplaincy and was stationed at RAF Lyneham during his service. Fond memories came flooding back at the time in service at Wiltshire's premier airbase. Times will be different from now on within the Lyneham community. The closure of the airbase will allow the minister to draw the community together for the change in lifestyles ahead. The community will pull together and be positive.

The words encrypted on the "Cure of Souls" the License.

"We David by Divine Permission Lord Bishop of Salisbury To Our Beloved in Christ Anthony Peter Reeves Fletcher Bth Clerk Greeting Whereas the benefice of Lyneham and Bradenstoke within our diocese and Jurisdiction now stands vacant. We do hereby grant you our License and Authority to serve during Our pleasure or until the admission of an incumbent to the said benefice whichever period shall be shorter as PRIEST-IN-CHARGE of the said benefice and to perform all ecclesiastical duties belonging to that office. In Testimony whereof We have hereunto set Our hand and caused our Episcopal seal to be affixed this Seventh day of July in the year of Out Lord Two Thousand and four and in the Eleventh year of Our Consecration."

After the installation and license the Rev. Tony Fletcher, greeted the local community and attended a buffet "bun-fight" in St. Michael's Church Hall. The Lyneham and Bradenstoke Parish welcomes Tony and his family in to the community and wishes him all the best in his ministry. As the Arch Deacon Barney Hopkinson summarised the service "I place you in stall of the minister of this parish; and may God the Holy Trinity make you strong in faith and love, defend you on every side, and guide you in the ways of truth and peace." These words are echoed onto Tony from the local community, "With the help of God, we will".