THE parishes of Peter Tavy, Mary Tavy, Lydford and Brent Tor have a new deacon following an ordination on July 2. Thirteen people were ordained deacon on that date at Exeter Cathedral by the Bishop of Exeter, the Rt Rev Michael Langrish, and one of these was the Rev John Higman, who will assist the Rev Ian Sykes in these parishes. Mr Higman will be serving as a non-stipendiary curate in the local churches as he continues his training in preparation for parish or other ministry. Clergy in the Church of England generally serve as deacons for one year before being ordained priest, at which point they are given wider responsibilities and can preside at Holy Communion.