Gary bastin has led the church since 2004.
We tracked him down and asked him some very important questions…
How long have you lived in Basingstoke?
Pretty much all my life, I moved here in 1970 with my parents.
Are you married?
Yes, very happily to Marianne. We got married in 1992 and we have three grown up children and a daughter-in-law.
What’s your favourite film?
Star Wars 'A new hope' released in 1977. I saw it when I was a child and it just blew me away!
What's the naughtiest thing you've ever done?
Shoplifting! I was junior school age at the time and was in deep trouble when my Dad found out.
What would we be surprised to know about you?
I was a drummer in a few bands in my teens, and one band played on the stage of the London Palladium.
What was your favourite childhood sweet?
Sherbet fountain.
What food do you really dislike?
Liver.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
White chocolate
What music do you listen to?
I was a teenager in the 80s so I love that era. I also enjoy classical music, especially movie soundtracks.
What modern invention couldn't you live without?
Tricky, it’s either the toilet or the iPhone.
Who is your favourite bible character?
Can I have more than one? Joseph (after Jesus of course), and David would be next.
What is your dream for Hope Community Church?
That we are a community that becomes all that God wants us to be, bringing hope to Basingstoke and beyond...