THE church of the Holy Trinity at Drewsteignton was packed for the farewell service to John and Wendy Withers, who were accompanied by daughter Rachel and son Jonty. The service was a songs of praise, where the music and readings were chosen by John and Wendy. The service was taken by John, with Mrs Jane Napier as organist. The readers, chosen by John and Wendy, were Michael Page, Ken Vile, Shirley Partridge, Rosie Webber, Jim Heyworth, Wendy Withers, Lorna Young and Su Price. The anthem ?The Lord bless you and keep you? by John Rutter was sung by Chagford Church Choir and the former Benefice choir, conducted by Richard Thomas. The intercessionary prayers were led by Dr Harriet Every and Dr Michael Hall. The Rector, Preb Antony Geering, paid tribute to the couple, who are to retire to Broadwoodwidger. Wendy had always been a serene back-up to John?s ministry, but was a serious player in her own right. She was a co-ordinator of Moorcare with many talents. John?s life as a social worker in the probation service provided the basis for his work as a priest, combining both talents in his work as a prison chaplain. He had worked in the Whiddon benefice, with particular care of Drewsteignton, Spreyton and Hittesleigh. The congregations from these parishes was swelled by those from Chagford, Gidleigh and Throwleigh, parishes that made up the benefice before the advent of South Tawton and South Zeal. One of his greatest assets was his ability to comfort the sick and bereaved. The sacrament of healing has been an important part of his work. There had been a collection from the entire benefice and flowers for Wendy, presented by Catherine Martineau, who co-ordinated the refreshments afterwards. The bells of Holy Trinity Church were rung prior to the service, with ringers from all churches in the benefice.