New Vicar appointed for Tewkesbury Abbey

The Diocese of Gloucester has announced today (Sunday 26 March) that the Revd Canon Nick Davies has been appointed to be the next vicar of Tewkesbury Abbey.

Fr Nick is currently Team Rector for South Cheltenham where he leads a team of eight clergy and lay leaders serving five churches representing the breadth of the Church of England.

Announcing the appointment, the Bishop of Tewkesbury, the Rt Revd Robert Springett said, “I am delighted that Fr Nick has accepted this role. During my visits to Nick in South Cheltenham, I have seen that he is much appreciated for his pastoral care in both the parish and school, his delight in liturgy and worship, including the development of the choral tradition of the parish, and the successful delivery of a major reordering project.”

During his eleven years in Cheltenham Nick also served as Area Dean, foundation governor at St James C of E Primary School, Cheltenham and chair of trustees for an Almshouse.  Prior to ordination he had a career in communications and fundraising in the voluntary sector, working for Christian Aid and Save the Children.

Nick said, “I thank God for my time in Cheltenham and will be sorry to leave gifted and faithful congregations and colleagues.  I am, however, really looking forward to getting to know Tewkesbury and Twyning, building on the achievements of Paul and Catherine Williams and discerning where God is calling us next.  I know Tewkesbury a little and, together with my family, have really enjoyed the mediaeval festival, the Musica Deo Sacra festival in the Abbey and bird watching in the surrounding countryside.”

The former Benedictine Abbey recently celebrated its 900^th anniversary.  It is considered one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Britain and has the largest Romanesque crossing tower in the world. Today the Abbey is a major tourist destination, one of the largest parish churches in the country and is home to a thriving congregation, two choirs and an exciting annual programme of concerts and other events. It also works with a congregation on Priors Park and plays a major civic role for Tewkesbury Town and Borough.

Cheltenham MP Alex Chalk KC said, “Nick has been an outstanding Team Rector, serving our Cheltenham community with exceptional energy, skill and compassion – including through the darkest days of the pandemic. We will miss him hugely; but he leaves a strong legacy, including with the successful reordering project. He goes to Tewkesbury Abbey with our town’s deepest thanks for his exceptional contribution. Good luck Nick!”

Nick said, “I am very aware that Tewkesbury holds the Abbey close to its heart and I hope that over the coming years, even more people feel at home here as they visit, wonder and pray.

“Along the way, I hope that they glimpse something of the glory of God who holds us in the palm of his hand.

“We have three faithful congregations across the benefice and I’m looking forward to being alongside them as we accept God’s exciting invitation to live life to the full.”