THE spring synod of the Plymouth and Exeter district of the Methodist Church met in Hatherleigh Community Centre last weekend.

The synod was addressed by Elizabeth Joy, who talked about her work with the church in India. Members also heard about new initiatives that are taking place across the district.

The newly retired minister from Northlew, the Rev John Peak, told the synod members about a scheme being proposed to develop market chaplaincy in the retail markets across this predominantly rural synod, which covers the whole of Devon as well as parts of Somerset and Cornwall.

During the opening prayers, the music was led by the local worship band Free Signal, a group from the Halwill area. The synod reflected on the impact of the national church report on benefit changes, recently published by the national Methodist Church together with the Baptist Church and the Church of Scotland.

The superintendent minister of the West Devon Circuit, the Rev Philip Wagstaff, said: 'It was good to be able to invite the synod to West Devon and to share some West Devon hospitality.

'We were able to look at local, regional and international issues which gave us much to think about both during and after the day and much for us to take back to our local chapels as we continue to develop links between Methodist churches and our communities.'