The new priest-in-charge, the Rev Craig Smith, will take up the post in March 2026.Currently Mr Smith and his wife, Sheila, live in New Zealand. They will make their East Yorkshire home at the Hutton Cranswick vicarage.
Following a good interview process, an offer has been made and accepted for the new priest to look after the benefice, but there is a somewhat lengthy process to go though;The Bishop of Hull, the Rt Rev Dr Eleanor Sanderson will send a formal letter to make the offer and this has to be formally accepted.The full Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) process is started which can take up to three months.Following the completion of a satisfactory DBS process, the formal announcement will be made.The new priest has to give notice where they are currently and prepare to move.The new incumbent is a British person with experience in this country but is currently overseas which does complicate things a little... so they are not likely to be in post before February next year at the earliest.
There was a largely positive response with volunteers coming forward to offer financial, fundraising or practical help for St Mary's at a meeting to discuss its future.About 50 people attended the event in Wansford Vilage Hall, which was chaired by the Archdeacon of the East Riding, the Rev Andy Broom.A subsequent letter to villagers from Mr Broom is attached.
