Christmas is going to be very different for you this year?
Yes, I'm taking a break for a few months; it will mean my first proper family Christmas in 14 years. I have never actually seen my children open their stockings.
Father Will Hazelwood
So what will you be doing on your sabbatical?
Lots of exciting and challenging adventures I hope! We will start with a trip to America to see family, squeezing in a visit to Disneyland! Then back to England for a retreat in Norfolk and time spent tinkering with my classic car, walking Spud the dog and doing 'dad duties'. The last part will be spent in East Africa; our children will attend a local school and my wife Sophie and I will help a charity project which improves classrooms and sanitation blocks in rural schools.
What will be going on in your absence then?
Everything will be in the safe hands of Father Nick. We have been working together preparing for the season since September. There will be school and Rotary carol services, the Crib Service on Christmas Eve, Midnight Mass and four services on Christmas Day itself.
How difficult is it knowing many families won't return to Church until next Christmas?
It's just nice to see the Church with standing room only for the Crib Service and we try to give people a taste of some of the fun that continues throughout the year. We don't take ourselves too seriously and like to have a giggle. We have great family friendly services on the first Sunday of the month.
Do you have many weddings at this time of year?
There's always one or two couples who fancy a festive ceremony.
What do you enjoy around the Christmas lunch table?
Good wine and cheese. We are lucky in Dartmouth to have a butchers, fishmongers and delis where you can source delicious local products. My last parish was on the outskirts of Slough where your only choice was a large supermarket.
Favourite Christmas snack?
A mince pie – warm of course!
Sprouts?
Love them as long as they aren't overcooked.
Favourite tipple?
Claret – it's a family tradition.
A message to end on?
The intrinsic message of Christmas is God showing his love by being born amongst us as a vulnerable child, it's about peace and goodwill and I reckon we could all do with a bit of that in the world at the moment.
First published By the Dart December 2015 Issue
