The Church’s Message Is As Relevant As Ever, Says Ash’s Retiring Priest

Published on: 6 Jun, 2025
Updated on: 6 Jun, 2025

The Rev’d Keith Bristow, retiring Rector of St Peter’s. Picture: Jason Blackwood.

By David Reading

After 22 years as Rector of St Peter’s Church in Ash, the Rev’d Keith Bristow is about to retire. His final service will be at 10am on June 29 – appropriately St Peter’s Day.

Keith became Rector of Ash in June 2003, having previously worked in parishes in Portsmouth and Liverpool.

The diocese has yet to make a formal announcement about a successor.

We asked Keith a few questions on subjects such as the future of the Church in modern Britain, his time at St Peter’s, what he plans to do in retirement. Here are his answers.

On the future of the Church

I am optimistic about the future for the Church. Many people are searching for a “spiritual” dimension in their lives. Simply acquiring more and more material wealth doesn’t seem to be as satisfying as many people once thought. Especially at significant events in their lives, people are asking questions and showing more interest in what it means to have a faith, than they did, perhaps 20 or so years ago.

In schools I have been invited on many occasions to answer children’s questions about the Christian faith and what I do as a priest. What they ask shows that they have a genuine interest in finding out more, in order to make their own minds up about what they want to believe or not believe as they grow up. One of the things I always say is that, for me, there is no conflict between what science tells us about how the world works and having faith in the God who created it all.

The Christian message is unchanging down the centuries, and I believe is as relevant for people today as it’s always been, since human nature doesn’t fundamentally change. In a world overloaded with information, however, the church has to make good use of modern technology to make sure people hear what we have to say, but at the same time never neglect the personal touch. Being with people, being open and honest about what Jesus teaches and promises, is what Christianity is all about. It’s what I have tried my best to do over the past 22 years in Ash.

On Keith’s time in Ash

Ash is a diverse community and I have enjoyed getting to know people from all sections of it. It has been a privilege to be alongside people at the most significant times of their life. There have been lots of baptisms and weddings, and, of course, funerals where I have tried to help people through the sadness of bereavement and give them the Christian message of Jesus’s promise of eternal life.

St Peter’s – soon to undergo a period of change. Picture: Jason Blackwood

I have also enjoyed working with the schools in Ash, meeting hundreds of young people over the years, most now grown up, but who still remember me from when I did assemblies at their junior schools. It is great to be remembered, but it makes me realise I’m getting old!

I served as a governor at both Walsh Schools for 20 years, a privilege to be able to help ensure that the children get the best opportunity to develop their various gifts and talents to the full, and give them, I hope, a life long love of learning.

We have had lots of different activities for young people which changed as each generation grew up. There have been youth clubs, mums’ and toddler groups and after-school groups over the years.

One of the most enjoyable groups for me was the drama group which, for many years, performed plays and pantomimes – the latter I helped write. It always involved a good mixture of adults and young people, and many from the local community came to watch – including members of our uniformed groups.

On the challenges

Covid was a great challenge for everyone, but we did our best to keep connected with St Peter’s folk and the wider community, and most of our congregation came back as soon as we were able to meet in person for worship again.

Maintaining a historic Grade 2 listed building is a constant challenge, says the Rector. Picture: Jason Blackwood

Generally, I think isolation and loneliness are two of the greatest challenges that we face as a society. I believe that the welcoming community we have at St Peter’s offers people the opportunity to support one another and be supported in turn. Along with others from St Peter’s, I have spent a lot of time visiting those who can no longer come to church because of age and health issues, thus ensuring they don’t feel cut off. We also run groups and regular social events to keep people connected.

Other challenges? Maintaining a historic Grade II listed building is a constant issue – there are always costly repairs to be done and money to be raised. Contrary to popular belief, the government doesn’t pay those bills!

On retirement

Simple! I plan to do more travelling, more walking and reading the many books I have collected over the years.