Two new deacons and seven new priests will be welcomed by the Diocese of Truro during its Petertide services this weekend. Among them will be the Rev Amanda Evans who has spent a year as assistant curate based in Mabe and Ponsanooth, and the Rev Arwen Folkes, who has spent a year as assistant curate in the Benefice of St Just in Roseland and St Mawed. They will both be ordained as priests.

Amanda said: “It has been a real privilege and joy to serve both the congregations and villages of Mabe and Ponsanooth and wider afield within the deanery in and around Falmouth. Because of the nature of my deanery curacy I have been blessed to lead and take part in worship in both a rural setting at the two beautiful churches in Mabe Parish and also in a town context with a strong choral tradition at King Charles the Martyr Church in Falmouth, where I was also based for six weeks.

"One of the very interesting aspects of my curacy has been to explore what a deanery curacy might look like and it has at times been a challenge to shape this. But I am also very excited by this next year when I hope to spend time with the parishes and communities of Mylor and Flushing.

"In the meanwhile, I am looking forward very much to my priesting, to serving God in new and interesting ways in the deanery and to enjoying the summer in Falmouth with my family and dogs.”

Reflecting on the past year, Arwen said: “It has been a year of many firsts, many stories, and many opportunities. I have learnt so much about my community, myself, and God.

“I have really loved being a deacon, there is something so special about this ministry; it has been a time set apart for reaching out, having conversations, and listening carefully. I have found that I am now both a hearer and teller of stories. I have also found that every single person I meet is extraordinary and fascinating. It has been a year of real privilege and I am humbled by the trust people place in the office I now carry.”

Arwen, who is well known in Cornwall as the founder of the Real Baby Milk initiative, had spent three years studying in Cambridge before she and her family returned to Cornwall for her ordination.

The Petertide services will take place at Truro Cathedral on Friday and Saturday, June 30/July1, and will see the Rt Revd Tim Thornton, leading what will be his last ordinations as Bishop of Truro.