St Peter’s Church in Loudwater welcomed their first vicar in 28 years in a moving yet lively service on Wednesday, November 13.

Danny Rodgers, who has moved into the village from Buckingham with his wife Allison and two children, was welcomed at a packed church where Christians across the county came to celebrate.

A mixture of young and old congratulated Danny’s latest role, as the 31-year-old Harrow born reverend was officially revealed and introduced to Loudwater.

The ceremony was conducted by the Bishop of Buckingham and the Archdeacon of Buckingham, with guests singing many hymns, reciting many prayers, and let off party poppers as soon as the service was officially over.

Speaking after the service, Danny told the Bucks Free Press: “I think the service was really special and I loved every minute of it but I’ll be honest with you, I really don’t like being centre of attention so for tonight, there was no way around it.

“Everyone seemed to enjoy it and it was great to say hello and introduce myself to the church and the community who I am very much looking forward to working with.

“The previous vicar was here for 27 years and I’m the first vicar the church has had for 28 years and he did a fantastic job leading the church.

“The service we had hasn’t been seen in Loudwater for 28 years so it’s quite significant and it’s a very special."

Danny revealed that he found God at the age of 15 and at the age of 18, he sensed that God called and lead him to church leadership.

He was ordained in the summer of 2016, has worked in churches in both Ealing and Buckingham, and now as the leader of Loudwater’s St Peter’s Church, Danny hopes to get to know his people, and admitted that he couldn’t have made one of the biggest decisions of his life without the help of his wife.

“I’m very excited to be here as my wife Allison and I moved into the vicarage a few weeks ago and we’re looking forward to getting to know the church and the local community in the coming weeks and months.

“Also, Allison is fantastic.

“We have two children in Emily and Peter and she has been nothing but supportive to me and I know I couldn’t do anything without her love or support.”