At the end of this year, after working for five and a half years for the Church of England as a Church Army Evangelist in the Hols­worthy Deanery, Sister Mandy Wright will be leaving Devon to begin a new life, living on a narrow boat on the rivers and canals of England.

She said her time in Devon had been a period full of highs and lows, although the highs definitely carried the day! She said: "I have met warm, hospitable and generous people who are committed to their town or village and also to their church.

"I have seen this commitment shown in many ways, from involvement in the Holsworthy Market and Coastal Towns Initiative, to the many imaginative church run fundraising activities, to a particularly exciting time I spent as chaplain to CFAR, (Centre For Adolescent Rehabilitation), which was a fantastic initiative run at Highampton, helping young men who had been released from prison to turn their lives around.

"I have helped churches run holiday clubs, fellowship groups and children's clubs (special mention to the Smart Club in Bradworthy!) And I have been guest speaker to almost every WI and Mothers Union in this part of Devon, all helping to bring people together, as my favourite hobby — skittles — also does.

"I have had my heart broken by seeing a tiny remnant trying to keep their church open whilst the majority of the population have forgotten they exist — unless there is a wedding or funeral to be had. I have preached a Gospel of love, forgiveness and justice, only to see groups embroiled in bickering, gossip and backstabbing.

"But I have also seen people finding new hope, a new start and a new family to belong to as they are introduced to the way of Jesus Christ, and that has made everything else worthwhile."

When her contract finishes she expects to enjoy the life of a water gypsy for a while, but says she will never forget her time in God's own county of Devon!