HAVING looked after the pastoral as well as the grounds and fabric of St Michael’s Church at Spreyton for 39 years, Ken Vile has retired as Church Warden.

He was presented with a garden bench at the start of the annual meeting of Spreyton PCC when guests included the Rev John Withers and his wife, the Rev Canon Michael Hall and his wife, and the current Rector, the Rev Paul Seaton-Burn as well as former PCC members.

Ken’s wife, Sylvia, was given a bouquet of flowers before everyone tucked into a buffet supper organised by Dr Ken Whitaker, PCC secretary, and his wife, Gill.

Ken remembered some of the churchwardens he had served with such as Pat Greenslade who was appointed at the same time as Ken, Shirley Gillard, Audrey Anderton, Helen Powlesland and the vicars included those present as well as the Rev Gordon Law, Charles Napier and Rev Preb Anthony Geering.

He spoke about coping during the interregnums, finding lay readers, having a vicar in North Tawton who had no transport so that had to be organised.

Ken said that although he had enjoyed being a church warden, there were times when it was not easy, as in life, not always making the right decision.

Mr Seaton-Burn then said the churchyard at Spreyton would not be in the beautiful condition it is today without Ken’s administrations.

He thanked all the other people who have taken on jobs in helping look after the church and grounds, adding that Ken’s great knowledge would still be drawn upon.

He gave a “huge thank you” to Ken for the many years he had given for the life of the church at Spreyton. “It would not be Spreyton Church without Ken,” he commented.

“He is a unique gentleman, doing so many of the little things we don’t see such as dropping off copies of the magazine, seeing people when they are ill, and more,” he commented.

The Rev John Withers said he had “the warmest memories” of Ken. He spoke of the great support given by Ken’s wife, Sylvia.

Canon Michael Hall also spoke of the contribution to the church by Ken and Sylvia, adding that church wardens were very important people.

Dr Ken Whitaker, PCC secretary, said how much Ken’s pastoral care was valued.

As well as church warden, Ken began bell ringing at the age of 15 at Hittisleigh where he grew up (his wife is Spreyton born), organised whist drives, bingos, and helped with the church fair for more than 50 years. He has been a member of the parish council for 24 years, 11 as chairman.

Sue Read