Ready to fly high in new role as parish church verger

A former RAF fireman and mental health charge nurse has been appointed head verger of Newark Parish Church.

Ian Jebbett, 55, spent 20 years with the RAF, the last ten at RAF Waddington.

He said he began to explore his faith after a second tour of the Falklands, and became a member of St Botolph’s Church, Quarrington, where he lives.

When he left the RAF in 2002, Ian went to Nottingham University to train as a mental health nurse.

He continued with that career until he applied for the verger’s job.

He has previously served on the parochial church council and worked as a volunteer sacristan in his church.

"I felt it was time to move on," Ian said.

"I still wanted to work with people and support them, and felt I would be able to contribute to the church.

"I was very happy and pleased when I was offered the position."

His role involves a mixture of jobs, including caretaking and making sure the church is prepared for services. He also leads the clergy in processions.

Ian is involved in making sure the church is accessible to all.

"Some people just want to know how old things are, but others come looking for someone to provide a listening ear," he said.

In his spare time, he is a volunteer at the RSPB sanctuary at Frampton Marsh, and enjoys reading 19th Century novels.