Canon Lesley Walker, Rector of the Meneage Benefice, took her last service in the area on Sunday at St Martin Parish Church. Almost 60 people from the parishes of Mawgan, Manaccan, St Anthony and St Martin, both Anglicans and Methodists, gathered to worship together and say their goodbyes. Members of all four parish churches took part in the service with Lesley celebrating the Eucharist, assisted by Peter Waterfield, of St Martin, and Sue Travis, of Manaccan. The Old Testament lesson was read by Suzanne Matthews, churchwarden at St Anthony; Peter read the Gospel; Wendy Bailey, of Mawgan, led the prayers; and Andrew Woods played the organ.

Lesley began her sermon by reminding us that the phrase used most often by Jesus was "Do not be afraid," important in a world where there is much to be afraid of. Her introduction to the area ten years ago was daunting to someone unused to Cornish wind, rain and narrow lanes but she remembered she was apprehensive rather than afraid. Similarly now, in accepting her new job as Bishops’ Chaplain she is apprehensive rather than afraid. She emphasised that the future of the benefice and the church in general was in the people’s hands, not the clergy’s. God is always present and knows each of us and our capabilities and with His help we should be confident and not afraid of the future.

Everyone was invited back to the Parish Hall for a delicious buffet lunch provided by the four parishes, Suzanne Matthews thanked Lesley for her ministry in the area and wished her well in her new life and Lesley was presented with cards and gifts from each of the parishes. We wish Lesley every happiness in her new position.