FOLLOWING the visit of The Bishop of Exeter, Rt Revd Michael Langrish, to the Tavistock Deanery last year, last weekend it was the turn of The Bishop of Plymouth, Rt Revd John Ford, to come to Tavistock and the surrounding area.

His weekend started early on Saturday morning when he attended a 'men's breakfast' in the West Dartmoor Benefice at the Burrator Inn, Dousland. He then went to Walkhampton Market where the team rector, Rev Nick Shutt, introduced him to locals and gave him a tour of all the stalls selling their wares in the village hall.

The Bishop then travelled to Horrabridge where he opened Horrabridge Summer Fair in Weir Park. Rev Geoff Lloyd, Vicar of Horrabridge and also Rural Dean of Tavistock, showed him around all the different activities at the event. Entertainment was provided by falconer David Buncle, from Mary Tavy, The Tavistock Twirlers, the annual tug of war arranged by Princetown tug of war team and the annual beer barrel race in the River Walkham arranged by the Leaping Salmon.

The Bishop travelled to Peter Tavy where he enjoyed strawberries and cream with residents at their annual strawberry tea.

This was followed by a tour of Tavistock pubs with fellow clergy from the Tavistock Deanery known as 'The Men and Women in Black'!

The climax of Bishop John's visit was the Deanery Service of Baptisms and Confirmations held on the lawns in front of St Eustachius Church, Tavistock. Included in this was the baptising of Jason Harper and James Teague by full immersion in the River Tavy and five other candidates by the riverside. Following this, 34 candidates were confirmed by the Bishop and welcomed into the church by the large congregation attending the service.

Rev Lloyd said: 'The sun shone throughout Bishop John's visit to The Deanery and there is no doubt that his presence and ministry has been a great source of encouragement to all Christians in the Tavistock area.

'It is hoped that the experience will be repeated in the future!'