Heathfield, Punnetts Town, Broad Oak & Cross In Hand

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IN IT FOR THE DISTANCE: From the racecourse, via a hotel project to a congregation, Heathfield's new vicar brings to the town a refreshing taste of the complex world of management coupled with the understanding of people that makes those world's tick. The Revd Christian Mitchell (Mitch) is set to be the vicar of the newly-created Benefice of Heathfield. Born in the Isle of Wight and educated at Christ's Hospital, Horsham, Revd Mitch, 45 was a relative latecomer to his calling. Qualifying as a Chartered Surveyor he worked in the horseracing industry, at Aintree (a couple of Grand Nationals under his belt), a spell as operations manager at Newmarket and subsequently Lingfield where he oversaw development of the new Marriott Hotel. His last secular job before theological college (in Oxford) was delivering catering logistics at two London 2012 Olympic venues, Greenwich Park (equestrian) and Eton Dorney (rowing). After college, he was appointed Curate at Holy Cross, Uckfield (covering St Saviour's, Uckfield, St Michael's, Little Horsted and St Margaret's, Isfield). Married to Victoria with two children (10 and 15) he said: '˜I am looking forward to the new Benefice incorporating two parishes, formerly with two vicars, now under one umbrella. My role is to help bring them together and also engage with our four schools'.

Spare time? ‘Family is my priority. My wife works so I like to spend as much time with them as I can.’ ‘I also enjoy running. There’s no gear required, just a pair of shoes. I want to do more cycling but things break down from time to time. I took part in the Beachy Head 10k and might try the Heathfield Half Marathon next year. I hear it’s very gruelling. I enjoy the theatre and love walking too, we have such a beautiful countryside.’

As the churches welcome Rev Mitch, you are also warmly invited to come and join in worship at any of our three churches. There is a choice of times with churches in three locations to choose from, together with each of the churches having their own particular distinctive and identity.

We look forward to welcoming you in the near future.