A long-serving Isle of Wight vicar will take his last service before retirement tomorrow (Sunday, September 10) and looks forward to 'Pressing On' with his music career.

When Reverend Hugh Wright came to the Island in 1992 to be the vicar at St John’s in Ryde, he knew nothing at all, but he says he loved being part of two communities in Oakfield and Ventnor.

Hugh has been the vicar at four Island churches, those being St John’s, St Boniface in Bonchurch, Holy Trinity and St Catherine’s in Ventnor.

Spending 21 years at St John’s and a decade at St Catherine’s, Hugh says he has met great people, including regular worshippers, those met through weddings, baptisms and funerals, and children from Oakfield Primary, Bishop Lovett Middle and St Francis Academy.  

Hugh said: “The congregations have all been supportive, and I thank them all.

“I have loved being part of the music and artistic scene in Ryde, but mostly, through the Ventnor Fringe, with whom I have worked closely.

“All these churches have been places not just of worship but of warm community. Thanks to everyone who has been part of it.”

Hugh and his wife Sarah are staying on the Island, where they can stay in touch with their Niton-based family, and Sarah can continue nursing.

Following his recent sell-out concert ‘Pressing On’ at Ventnor Fringe, Hugh added: “I am looking forward to developing my music and guitar playing further in the company of the many great musicians with whom I have shared my journey.

“This may include the songs of my great passion, Bob Dylan.”

Reverend Hugh Wright’s last service will be held at Ventnor’s St Catherine’s Church.