ON Sunday, July 28 the vicar of the 10 churches in the Church of England Diocese of Exeter North Creedy West Mission Community, Lindsey Starrs led her final Mission Community Eucharist Service at St Andrew’s Church, Colebrooke.

The church was packed with nearly 100 parishioners who had come to say “thank you” and “goodbye”.

The service was a very moving one with the vicar’s favourite hymns, and was enhanced by the quartet from Colebrooke playing with the hymns.

The Colebrooke Singers sang three pieces, including “The Lord bless you and keep you”, by John Rutter.

After the service Lindsey was presented with a bound book with pictures of the 10 churches and a cheque, and her husband Laurie with a bottle of his favourite sherry.

A Bring and Share lunch was then enjoyed in the parish hall, culminating in the cutting of a cake by Lindsey and Laurie and a toast to their future.

All the 10 churches took part in the service and the lunch, which made it a fitting farewell to Lindsey and Laurie.

Elizabeth Jones, Mission Community Secretary, said: “When Lindsey retires on August 26, she and Laurie will be living in Morchard Bishop and we wish them a very Happy Retirement.”