OUTGOING Group Leader for the parishes of Launceston, Rev Mary Williamson has described it ‘as an absolute privilege to serve the people of Launceston’ as she steps down from her role to take up a similar position in Oxfordshire.

The former headteacher of Werrington Community Primary School and Meavy Church of England Primary School started her ordination training upon retirement ten years ago before becoming a Deacon three years later.

She believes that it was God’s work to send her to Abingdon.

Rev Williamson said: “It feels a bit strange to be leaving Launceston in a few weeks time but I feel that God has called me to go to Abingdon so that’s where I’m going.

“I’ve enjoyed absolutely everything about my job. It’s been an absolute privilege to have served the people of Launceston and I’m extremely thankful that I’ve been given the opportunity to do so.

Rev Williamson has enjoyed seven years as the team vicar, leading services at the likes of St Thomas Parish Church and St Mary Magdalene church before she officially stepped down in March when she turned 70.

However she was asked to be kept on by the diocese, to help share the workload, which often sees vicars work six days a week.

Rev Williamson also does some brilliant work away from the church. She works as a volunteer for the Launceston Memory Café, has been a chaplin to the mayor and the Launceston branch of the Royal British Legion as well as running a service with her friend Anne Brown once a month for people with dementia.

While there won’t be a replacement for her due to the fact that she’s a non-paid clergy, it seems that although she’ll be changing home for the foreseeable future, Rev Williamson sees her long-term home firmly in the PL15 postcode.

She said: “Although I’m going to Abingdon to continue to serve God, I’ll definitely be coming back to Launceston to retire, that’s for sure.”