CHURCHGOERS in Inkberrow are bereft following the departure of their vicar, the Rev Bruce Rienstra, for two new roles in Holland.
The Rev Rienstra, originally from the United States, blazed a trail at the church, turning it not only into a place of worship but also a venue for events and concerts.
Highlights included countless performances, some by the internationally renowned pianist Lauretta Bloomer, wife of the Rev Rienstra, as well as well-received concerts and celebrations marking significant events, like the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice in 1918 and featuring Arrow Valley Brass.
As such he could be seen as returning the church to being the centre of major community events in the village, much as it would have been through the preceding centuries.
The Rev Rienstra spoke of his regret at leaving Inkberrow but said two pressing issues, one family, the other Brexit, had made it made it necessary to leave.
“A very big reason is our children, we have four between us and they all live on Holland,” said Rev Rienstra, who previously spent 20 years in the Netherlands and was chaplain at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam prior to ordination.
“And Brexit, Brexit has made things very complicated – and the pandemic.”
However he said he would miss Inkberrow and the surrounding villages he served.
“Being a vicar in England is something very special. Holland is a much more secular society, and I will very much miss being vicar in Inkberrow.”
Due to the transient nature of the expat community the Rev Rienstra’s new roles will be as chaplain and as a parish priest.
First as chaplain of the Church of England church in Haarlem and secondly working with the Old Catholic Church of the Netherlands as a parish priest, which has a longstanding agreement with the C of E, taking on its city centre church in Rotterdam.
Inkberrow and the surrounding villages said farewell to the Rev Rienstra at a shared lunch on Sunday, January 2 before he and his wife packed their bags for the long road to Harwich and a new beginning on the continent.
