THE newly-refurbished Crediton Methodist Church was packed on Sunday, August 11, to say goodbye to Lauren Stacey, Youth Worker.

When Devon County Council closed Crediton Youth Centre, the Methodist Church employed Lauren Stacey on a three-year contract.

The contract was extended and Lauren worked for the Church for six years.

She is well-known both in all the churches in the town and Queen Elizabeth’s School, where she also works with young people.

She was instrumental in setting up the Youth Cafe at the Methodist Church and recently organised the Churches Together Holiday Club at the Congregational Church.

She has taken young people to South West Ministries Spree camps and to Uganda a couple of times with the charity Edukid.

Lauren got married two years ago but as her husband lives and works in South Wales, they have not been able to set up home together.

Lauren’s contract expires at the end of this month and she has decided to move to Wales.

More than 50 people stayed on after the service for a barbecue.

Everyone at Crediton Methodist Church is sorry to see Lauren leave, but send her all good wishes for her future employment and life together with her husband.  Thank you Lauren for all you have done.

Bronwyn Nott