ON his first visit to Staunton Parish Church since he was installed as the Archdeacon of Gloucester, the Venerable Geoffrey Sidaway was welcomed by priest in charge Canon John Evans and the churchwardens Ursula Groves-Smith and June Fardon and the congregation.

The service of Holy Communion was from the book of Common Prayer at which the Archdeacon was the Celebrant assisted by the Rev Penny Hamer. The offertory was taken by Marion Bartlett.

At the Archdeacon's visitation on Friday evening, May 18 in the cathedral the churchwardens from Staunton Parish Church attended and were sworn in together with churchwardens from Gloucester North and other deaneries.

They were accompanied by Canon John Evans and Holly Chapman church- warden of St Mary's Church, Hartpury.

The service at which the Archdeacon reads his charge to the churchwardens is most impressive.

The choir of Holy Trinity Church, Stroud led the singing with the Music Group of St Phillips and St James Hucclecote.