THE church was packed for Richard Hart's final service as Priest-in-Charge, the congregation included members of Donnington and Preston churches; Kempley, the fourth member of the Windcross parishes, held their special service the other week.

There were two choirs, the senior and the junior. The latter sang One more step along the way I go and Ros Powell sang a very beautiful solo. The well known hymns were sung lustily by everyone. A triple baptism was also part of the service, all three children were members of the Benniman family. Richard was presented with a silver photo frame by Tony Eagle ad a cheque will follow when all the donations are collected.

Lunch in the parish hall was in great demand and no-one was disappointed - it was an excellent cold meal with apple pie and custard for sweet. There were so many there we ran out of chairs. A huge volume of happy sound proved that everyone was busy exchanging news and views with their neighbours and it was lovely to see so many new people there.

The four young Harts were presented with their gifts. We shall be very sorry to see them all go, the whole family have become an important part of Dymock and we wish them much happiness in the future.

Tomorrow (Saturday) at 3.30pm there will be a service for All Souls' Tide when the preacher will be the Dean of Gloucester, the Right Rev Nicholas Bury.

On Sunday, November 12 at 3.30pm the Rev Patricia Phillips will be installed as priest-in-Charge of the Windcross Parishes at Dymock.

She will previously have been made Priest-in-Charge of the Redmarley Group of parishes on Friday, November 10.