THE Rev John Heath's farewell service for the benefice was held at Stowford St John's Church.
Mr Heath was celebrant, assisted by Bishop John Richards and the Rev John Hunwicke.
The church was full to hear Mr Heath's farewell address.
St Mary's Church choir (Lifton) rendered two anthems during the service, 'All things bright and beautiful' and 'Sing Alleluiae to the Lord'. Organist was Mrs Mary Mazur-Park. Mrs A Woodliffe gave the reading.
After the service the congregation made their way to the Stowford village hall, where they enjoyed refreshments before raising a toast to Mr Heath.
He was thanked for all the hard work he and his wife Shelagh had carried out, with best wishes to David and Grace.
Shelagh was unable to attend owing to recently undergoing an operation. People were pleased to hear that she is now recovering well.
Warin Kelly presented Mr Heath with a cheque, monies for which had been donated by members of all churches in the benefice.
Laurie Scott , one-time reader who conducted many of the services in the past, also attended.
Mr Heath served in the parishes of Lifton, Broadwoodwidger and Kelly with Bradstone for ten years, and four years ago took on the responsibility of Lewtrenchard with Thrushelton and Stowford.
l A SOCIAL evening was held at 'Tanglewood'. Lifton, by invitation of Pat Pollard. Thirty people attended.
It was a 'Murder Mystery Evening' organised by Amanda Greenhalgh. Those present were formed into groups of ten. A murder had been committed and by questions asked and clues given each person wrote down who they thought was the murderer.
Results were put into a bag and the first correct answer drawn won the prize.
A supper of jacket potatoes, cheese, tuna and salad followed by a sweet was on offer.