A day of farewells today…  Since last November, I’ve been spending some of my time in the parishes of Millisle and Carrowdore, covering their vacancy until a new Rector turned up to do the job properly!

Lots of very happy memories from the year.  The fabulous countryside around Carrowdore in the middle of winter, with big, big skies and snow on the hills.  The spire of Carrowdore church, visible across the fields for miles around, helping me get my bearings whenever I’m lost in a tangle of country lanes.  Singing hymns heart-and-soul.  Sharing the peace so enthusiastically that I have to ask “the rabble” to return to their seats so we can continue the service.  A cup of tea waiting for me without fail every week as I arrive on a Sunday morning.  Midnight communion on a snow-covered Christmas Eve.  Farmhouse Sunday lunches.  Spilling baked beans on the carpet mid-sermon and being forgiven.  Fish and chips for my farewell bash.  Generosity, warmth, support, laughter.

A very special bunch.  And so it seemed only right to mark my farewell by breaking out my very best singing voice…