THERE was a visit from down under when a minster from Launceston, Tasmania visited Launceston, Cornwall.

Amanda Nicholas, a minister of the Uniting Church, Launceston, Tasmania, visited the St Thomas Church, Launceston, on Sunday, May 22, for the Launceston Parish Eucharist.

The Rt Reverend Chris Goldsmith, Bishop of St Germans, welcomed Amanda to St Thomas Church, Launceston.

The Rev Jane Everitt, team rector of Launceston Parish, also greeted Amanda, along with Arthur Wills, the Rev Mary Williamson and churchwardens Pam Parnell and Sylvia Hearn.

Rev Everitt said: “Amanda has been in this country attending the first ever ‘Messy Church Conference’ and having seen from our website that we hold a Messy Church in the parish, she thought that she would take the opportunity of finding out how ministry faired when comparing Launceston, Cornwall with Launceston, Tasmania.

“We may be from different sides of the world, but witnessing to God’s love and grace, features high wherever people are called to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Outreach in God’s mission, such as ‘Messy Church’ is a good way to reach all ages of the community, especially children and young families.”

Amanda was only able to spend two days in Cornwall this time around, during her first visit to this country, and has since returned home to her family in Launceston, Tasmania.

She does however plan to return with her husband in the future, to see more of Cornwall, and has promised to stop over in Launceston once again to say hello.