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Riding out of town
Methodist minister Alan Jenkins is leaving Rushden
for a new job near Birmingham
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A motorbike-riding minister is heading out of town for the last time.
Alan Jenkins, 47, is leaving the Nene Valley Methodist circuit after seven years to take up a post near Birmingham.
Mr Jenkins, who has led congregations at a number of Methodist churches across the area, including Rushden, said he was looking forward to the challenges the new circuit would bring, but that he would miss living and working in Rushden.
He said: "I have many memories as a minister on the Nene Valley circuit - from working as chaplain for Northamptonshire Police to chaplain at Wellingborough prison.
"It is the longest I have been anywhere as a minister so it has had a huge effect on my life.
"I have enjoyed the friendship and fellowship of so many people here."
Mr Jenkins, who is married with three grown-up children, is a big Rushden & Diamonds fan and has already bought a season ticket for next year.
He said: "I have been watching Diamonds since they were in the Conference - and I will be coming to home games at Nene Park next year.
"I have friends on the terraces and supporters do sometimes ask for advice at matches.
"On my birthday last year a group of fans presented me with a Diamonds shirt with "The Fans' Chaplain" printed on the back."
Mr Jenkins said being a football fan seemed to make it easier for people to talk to him - and that his motorbike, a Yamaha XJ900S Diversion, had a similar effect.
He said: "It raises eyebrows when I take off my leathers to reveal the collar - but it does seem to form a bridge with people as a talking point.
"That's not the reason I ride it though, it's just my preferred form of transport." |
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