Very sadly the Itchen Valley Parish said goodbye on Sunday to Revd Rebecca Fardell who has been curate in the Itchen Valley for just under 4 years.  There was a goodbye tea in St Mary’s Easton and Churchwarden Robin Greenwood made the following speech:

On behalf my fellow Churchwardens, I would like to thank you for coming to this party to say farewell to Rebecca.

However first I would like to thank Vanessa Rosewell and her team for organising this wonderful party and all those who have made and provided food. I know it that it involves a lot of work behind the scenes and it is truly appreciated by everyone. Thank you.

Well Rebecca. We shall sadly be losing you after nearly four years and I would like on behalf of everyone to pay tribute to all that you have done serving the Parish of the Itchen Valley as part of the clergy team and give you our heartfelt thanks. You have been a star and our loss will be Sunnyside, Berkhamstead and Bourne End’s gain.

In those nearly 3 ¾ years, a lot has happened. You first served under Andrew Micklefield. You then took the lead during the Interregnum when you did a difficult job in difficult circumstances very well, which I know the Churchwardens at the time truly appreciated. And finally you have been serving with Alex under Amanda.

You have played a full role in not just taking services but in taking the lead with UTX and The Ark. You have been heavily involved with CAMEO and Little Rainbows as well. You have proved very popular and your generosity of spirit, empathy with people and communication skills have shone through. And I am sure that your experience before you responded to the call greatly enhanced your ability to carry out you role.

You will be dearly missed and we would like to wish you every success. Some of us with be coming to your induction to wish you well.

As a token of our real and genuine gratitude, we would all like to give you a present and, on behalf of everyone, present you with a cheque which we hope will be useful in providing things for your new Rectory.