On 7th November we celebrated our last Holy Communion with Tess before she departed for pastures new. It was a sad occasion as we had only had her with us for 2 years and had benefitted hugely from her wise and positive leadership. We had really hoped to have her with us for many years but it was not to be.
At the end of the service she was presented with a replica church key which was to remind her of her induction service here at St Mary’s with Bishop Colin, when Richard and I gave her the original key to our church as a token of her ministry with us. There was also a gift of a salt and pepper mill in the form of a chess bishop, a glimpse into the future when we are sure she will achieve that status (we hope she got the hint!) and a basket of flowers to take to her new home.
We are very grateful to Tess for all that she did for us and wish her every success in her new role at Winchester Cathedral.