George’s Farewell!
Sunday November 5th saw the last services in our Parish for Rev. Geroge Pitcher upon his retirement . The day was a celebration of all that he had done for the Parish in the last ten years and we were delighted to have the Bishop of Chichester join us for the 10.00am Parish Eucharist. This service was attended by approaching 200 which confirmed the esteem in which Geroge was held.
In the afternoon, we all enjoyed an “Afternoon Tea” and a celebratory tipple with which to toast Geroge and Mobbs and to wish them well. Again, there was a significant number attending and to witness the fine inscribed garden bench we we presented along with delightful original paintings of each church.
The day concluded with drinks and nibbles at Culverwood where a magnificent firework display brought the evening to a conclusion.
We know that George will be greatly missed
Tim Williams, Chairman of the Friends of Waldron Churches, wrote:
On Sunday 5th November, a huge tea party in the Heathfield Community Centre honoured George and Mobbs Pitcher, on the occasion of George Pitcher’s retirement as Rector of our Parish. There were warm speeches from the Churchwardens, and by the Tower Captain and Head of the Bellringers, Brian Thompsett (pictured below). A presentation of an inscribed oak bench recognised their enormous contribution to the life of the Parish over the last decade. They will be greatly missed not only by churchgoers but by countless friends and supporters of events in our community
A Thank you from George & Mobbs
The send-off for Mobbs and me on Sunday was extraordinary. From church with the bishop, to pub, to "Tea" - the word hardly does justice to such a lavish spread - to fireworks and wine, the likes of which Culverwood has never witnessed. We are grateful beyond measure for your generosity. The (memorial!) bench is just beautiful and we look forward to many of you, or all of you (though probably not at the same time), sitting on it under our loggia. Thankyou so much, all of you. And Ray's paintings of the churches, Brian's ode and bell-band photo and all the gifts besides we've received from friends in the congregation. We will try to thank you all over time.
The Spirit moves in this place and that is a wonder to behold. What a people of God you are and it has been such a privilege to be part of you. You will go on as disciples, in sure and certain hope, on this road to Emmaus and you do so with our huge gratitude for the strength and warmth of your witness this past weekend.
With renewed thanks for our partnership in the gospel, every blessing for the future and in his boundless love,
George
