It was an emotional Sunday morning as we said goodbye to Martin Randall, our Lay Reader, and his wife Kath. They have been part if St Mary’s for over twenty-five years and in that time have been an active and central part of life in Woodkirk.

At the end of the service, which in itself contained Martin’s last sermon at St Mary’s and hymns chosen by Kath and Martin, they were presented with a canvas print of St Mary’s (using one of Martin’s own photographs), a Rockingham crystal decanter and glass set and a bouquet of flowers. Amanda and Debbie had prepared a song for them, which the congregation joined in with.

After the service a faith lunch had been prepared which was a lovely social occasion and a great way of Kath and Martin to say their goodbyes.

We wish Kath and Martin all the best for the future, and look forward to seeing them on occasional visits back up to Yorkshire.