THE team rector of Launceston is saying her farewells to the community after ‘a fantastic few years’.

The Rev Jane Everitt and her husband Tim will soon be moving so Jane can take up her new post in the Coventry Diocese.

Jane’s congregations in Launceston Parish were told on August 13 that the Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth, Bishop of Coventry, announced she would be the next Priest in Charge of Holy Trinity, Long Itchington and St Esprit, Marton.

It was hoped she would take up her new appointment in the autumn, but unfortunately, just after the announcement had been made, routine blood tests highlighted that Jane had medical condition, which needed sorting.

Jane said: “I underwent surgery in September and have since been convalescing, but now I am feeling a lot better and plans are again under way for us to move.”

Jane and Tim said their ‘official’ farewell to those in the churches at a joint parish service in St Mary Magdalene Church on Sunday, November 26, and Jane is around for the next couple of weeks to say a personal farewell to people and to the wider Launceston community.

She added: “Our decision to leave Launceston has not been an easy one to make, we have both enjoyed our time this side of the Tamar, but we both feel that the part time appointment in Coventry Diocese will allow me to continue to be open to God’s call on my life, but also give us both some time with our families and with each other.

“We came to Launceston in the February of 2014 and I was licenced as team rector by Bishop Tim a month later on Friday, March 14. We had an amazing welcome from everyone and we have enjoyed a fantastic few years here, not only working in the Anglican Church, but alongside other denominations through Launceston Churches Together involved in all that comes under their banner; street pastors, the food bank, money advice centre and the Christmas lunch.

“I have also had the privilege of getting involved with the wider local community; working with local schools, the towns nursing and residential homes, being chaplain to the Launceston Branch of the Royal British Legion and as the mayor’s chaplain. One of my greatest joys has been getting to know the people of Launceston through the conversations I have had in and around the area, whether that has been in shops or on the street on a market day, at the annual Launceston show or when I’m just coming to or going from one of the churches.

“We will really miss the people of Launceston and we would like to say a big thank you for all the support, encouragement and opportunities that have been opened to us during our time here.”

They leave Launceston in December and Jane will be licensed to her new post in Coventry Diocese on Monday, January 8.

Jane said: “Launceston Parish and the churches are in, as always, the very capable hands of the church wardens and if anyone needs to contact a member of the clergy, Reverend Teresa Folland, the curate, is in post and contactable. Finally, I would like to thank Launceston for making Tim and I so welcome and letting us feel a part of the community. We would also like to wish everyone a joyful, peaceful and blessed Christmas and all the best, for the new year.

“Looking on the bright side, we can once again add Cornwall to our holiday destination list and we hope to be popping back for a visit in the none too distant future.”