THE Bishop of Plymouth, the Rt Rev Nick McKinnel, paid a three-day visit to the parishes in the Holsworthy Deanery last week.

He used the time to talk to parishioners from the surrounding areas about the new vision for the Church of England in Devon.

The Rev Jane Lucas, priest-in-charge of Ashwater, Beaworthy, Clawton, Halwill and Tetcott, said ahead of Bishop Nick’s visit: “We are looking forward to Bishop Nick coming to explore rural West Devon and to meet with farmers and others from around the Deanery at the party on Saturday night.”

His visit proved to be successful.

Bishop Nick began his stay, on Friday, July 22, with a visit to a farm at Thuborough, in Holsworthy, where he visited farmers and the local clergy.

He then went on to pay a visit to the new Cattle Market in Holsworthy before spending some time in the Whit Hart meeting some of the locals over a pint.

He then headed over to Pyworthy, on Saturday, July 23, where he met with local beekeepers before having lunch at the Molesworth Arms.

Later that day he visited the Ashwater Village Hall, where he attended a party celebrating his visit.

On the final day of the trip he attended two Sunday morning services at Thornbury and Bradworthy, with lunch at the Bradworthy Inn.

He later met with the young farmers at Tetcott before joining in with a Songs of Praise style service at St Peters and St Pauls Church in Holsworthy where he was joined by the town band, Father Christopher Penn, Rev Richard Freeman and Rev Lucas.

Following on from the launch, lead by Bishop Robert, of the new vision for the Church of England in Devon, with its three priorities to pray, grow and serve, the Bishop Nick, and the Bishop of Crediton Sarah Mullally, will spend the rest of the year making visits to parishes to talk with people about the priorities to grow the church in Devon, and how best to serve the community.

Bishop Nick said of his visit: “It has been very encouraging to see so much going on in church life in this part of the county.

“Congregations may often be small but there is plenty going on in the 22 parishes that make up Holsworthy Deanery.

“I’ve heard about work with young people in the community college and primary schools.

“Church buildings are lovingly cared for and in one parish after another, the church is playing its part in the life of the community.”

Bishop Nick added: “I have enjoyed learning about issues in farming, seeing beekeeping at first hand, admiring the new cattle market, joining in Sunday worship and watching the young farmers in action.

“I have also been presenting the Bishop of Exeter’s three priorities for the Diocese, that the church should grow in prayer, make new disciples and serve the people of Devon with joy.”