Rev Maureen Robbins has scooted into Maldon town to take over as minister at the Baptist Church in Butt Lane.

Rev Robbins has been a minister for 27 years and has worked mainly in the West Country. Her last post was at Radstock for nine years.

She said: "I'm particularly happy to be in this part of the country as my parents both came from Essex so I feel an affinity."

There's a small congregation at Maldon but Rev Robbins is keen to build it up. She said: "I hope we can encourage familes and young people to come along. I have worked in the past with children and run holiday clubs.

"Being new, I am tending to listen and learn rather than coming with lots of plans but I'm looking at ways I can make a contribution to the community and also I believe, in sharing the Christian message."

The morning service starts at 10.30am, followed by a joint service with the United Reformed Church, and Methodists in the evening.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.