Services being held in new parish church

Services are now being held in a renovated church serving the first new parish to be established in the Diocese of Guildford in 25 years.

St Barbara's Church in Deepcut is a former garrison church used by the army.

It caters to those living in the 1,200-home development planned for the former army base.

"I'm delighted that the establishment of the Deepcut Parish will bring us closer to achieving a seven day-a-week church in the heart of the community," Reverend Daniel Natnael said.

While the church was being renovated, the parish members used other public buildings to help the community.

This included hosting a baby and toddler group in the local care home, as well as weekly coffee mornings in the local pub, The Frog, which the minister also used as his office.

The church will be able to carry out weddings, funerals and baptisms.

"What is important for us is the people," Mr Natnael said. "The building is an added bonus."

Since the closure of the army camp, the area has been undergoing development work to create the new Mindenhurst Village.

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