New church leader ready for 'fusion of roles'

The new Dean of Guernsey has told how he worked as a bank manager before getting a calling to the church and his new role in the Channel Islands.

The Venerable Matthew Trick was installed as the new leader of the Church of England in Guernsey on Tuesday. His role also includes becoming Vicar of Sark.

He takes over from the Very Reverend Tim Barker who had been the Dean since 2015 but retired earlier this year.

Trick told BBC Guernsey his new role was a unique combination of duties: "It is one of those really curious roles, clearly there is an ecclesiastical role... but it's also a civic and community role and an interesting fusion."

Trick said his working life started in banking but after becoming a Christian he became more involved with the church.

"My vicar said why don't you think about ordination so I met some advisors and was selected and trained. I did roles in parishes before becoming Archdeacon of Derby," he said.

He said around that time he discovered a locum priest was required in Alderney which led to him spending summers on the island in 2023 and 2024 and getting to know the retiring dean.

"I felt a sense of calling to come to Guernsey and apply to be Dean of Guernsey," he said.

Trick said the role of dean had changed since his predecessor's retirement.

"In my role as full time dean I will also be visiting Alderney regularly and moving about all the 14 parishes in Guernsey and encouraging their mission, confidence and growth," he said.

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