THE new vicar of ‘three wells’ has flown in from Buenos Aires to take up his position.

Rev Michael Wilkie is now leading the three parishes of Kingskerswell, Abbotskerswell and Coffinswell – after 15 years living in Argentina, including a stint as rector of the Anglican cathedral in the country’s capital.

The Lord Bishop of Exeter and the Archdeacon of Totnes inducted Rev Michael at a special service in Kingskerswell.

Rev Michael said: ‘I’m so happy and joining a wonderful church organisation that’s so active in the community. The people in all three wells are very committed and hard working for the parishes.

‘We had more than 100 people in the congregation of my installation service. After taking the traditional vows around the church, including at the door, lectern and altar, there was all sorts of happiness with hymns etc, and a lovely buffet afterwards.’

The three wells parishes have been without a vicar for nearly two years following the retirement of Rev John Leonard after his 29-year service.

Michael grew up in North Devon and was an RE teacher in Ilfracombe. He moved to Buenos Aires to help teach clergy and was then ordained himself. Him and his wife Cora arrived back in Devon at the end of January. Their two sons are staying on in Buenos Aires to complete their degrees.

He said: ‘It was time to come back. We’d been out there a long time, including 10 years as rector of the Anglican cathedral in Buenos Aires, the oldest non-catholic church in South America.

‘We’ve brought two former Argentine street dogs back with us – which necessitated lots of paperwork – and have gone from a flat to a huge vicarage.’

Michael will be based in Kingskerswell.

He said: ‘I’m spoiled, it’s a lovely place and we’re extremely happy to come here. It’s a lovely church and very active in the community. It’s also had a wonderful renovation with brand new bell tower etc, and this is only phase one.

‘We had one united service in Kingskerswell for the three wells and now I’ll start going around the three churches.

‘The concerts at Kingskerswell are quite amazing, including some of the biggest names in folk music in the country. The first time I saw flashing lights through the window I thought “this looks like fun”.

‘I’m looking forward to the Summer Moon Festival. Sadly I don’t drink but I will be joining in with everything else for sure.’

For Michael’s induction at Kingskerswell Church the recently renovated bells were rung out.

Tower captain Philip Stevens said: ‘Prior to the service ringers from Kingskerswell and the local area rang a quarter peal of Grandsire Triples. This consisted of 1,260 changes and took 46 minutes to ring and was rung as a welcome to our new vicar, Michael Wilkie. This was the first quarter peal rung on the newly restored and augmented bells.’