HE IS one of the most recognisable faces in the market town he calls home.

But now Vicar of Romsey Tim Sledge is off to pastures new after the Queen approved his appointment as the new Dean of Peterborough. Rev Sledge will take up the post on October 15, having served in Romsey since 2008.

“It is a huge change; there is a massive amount to do there,” admitted the vicar.

“The cathedral has been in financial difficulties needs to get on to a more stable footing. That is what I have been tasked to do.”

During his time at Romsey Abbey, Canon Sledge led a seven year development plan.

This focused on growing the church’s work with young families and on discipleship, spirituality, community work and the creative use of buildings and heritage.

He also worked with the local authority and other partners in Romsey to set up a consortium to promote the town as a visitor destination.

This has resulted in a 15 per cent increase in visitor numbers.

Tim has established a link between the Abbey and the Anglican Province of Burundi and has made several visits there with members of the congregation.

He is Chaplain to the Mayors of Romsey and Test Valley, and to the Scouts and the Royal British Legion.

He is also a co-founder of Triangulate, a local mental health charity, and Romsey Abbey is currently the only parish church in the country to be Mindful Employer.

Speaking about his fondest moment at the Abbey, he said: “I think it is when it is full of young people.

“When people are excited and involved and loving the building.

Tim added: “Romsey has an amazing community. It has an astonishing heart and sole and for me that is the biggest thing.”

The new Dean joins Peterborough Cathedral at an exciting time as it approaches the celebration of its 900th anniversary in 2018 and emerges from a period of cash flow difficulties with a robust business plan in place.

Canon Sledge said it was a “great privilege” to be invited to take up this role and added he cannot wait to start.

The Rt Revd Tim Dakin, Bishop of Winchester wished the Vicar of Romsey good luck in his new venture.

“Tim’s contribution to Romsey and the wider community here has been exceptional,” he added.

“We will all be very sorry to see him go.”

Canon Sledge was appointed Area Dean of Romsey in 2013 and a non-residentiary Canon of Winchester Cathedral in 2014.

The last service he will conduct will take place in Romsey Abbey on September 17.