So, seeing as you and Father Will Hazlewood are quite the Dartmouth double act – the Ant and Dec of Church – how will you feel going solo this year?
Father Nick Debney
(Laughs) I like that comparison, although I would be no good in the jungle as I can't stand spiders! I will miss Will, it will be weird without him, it's like a trial separation! But I do look forward to the challenge.
Are you ready for the crowds?
Yes. I'm not daunted by the big numbers. Christmas is very special here as the churches are full with a diverse range of people who do and don't usually come to church. At the Crib Service there's a palpable sense of excitement and you can see the sparkle in children's eyes. It's a lovely service – the church is decorated, we’ll have the lanterns we made for Candlelit Dartmouth and it ends with snow falling on the congregation.
Are you getting more young people at Church?
Yes. We have lots of families coming to services and events such as our pancake day, Easter workshop and Harvest bbq. We had a great barn dance this year on a real farm and next year we hope to go on a camping trip. We regularly visit primary school children at the Academy as part of 'Open the Book'. It is lovely getting to know the children – it's great when they see me and shout "Hiya Father Nick" across Sainsbury's!
What did you do before this job?
I was a senior manager in the surgical division at Torbay Hospital. Then my wife Sally, my nine-year-old son Adam, and I moved over the river to Dartmouth nearly three years ago.
When will you get to sit down on Christmas Day?
Well I've told my mother I will be there at 2pm so I hope I make that deadline or I will be in trouble!
What would you like to see under the tree with your name on?
Well after the sponsored walk we did to Greenway in the pouring rain last month, I realised my waterproof jacket and boots are not very waterproof! So new outdoor gear would be great.
Favourite Christmas food?
It's got to be turkey and pigs in blankets – love all the meat!
Christmas pudding or trifle?
Neither – cheese and biscuits.
Afternoon nap or brisk walk?
Before this job it would have been the walk … now probably the nap!
Weirdest Secret Santa present you've received?
A onesie!
For more information on the festive services go to www.parishofdartmouth.co.uk
First published By the Dart December 2015 Issue
