A personal message from Fred Ireland.

Dear friends

I am delighted to say that the church has a new minister. He is Rev Anthony Howells, B.Sc., M.A. Anthony is a United Reformed Minister currently looking after a church in Perton, Wolverhampton. After I leave in August he and family hope to move in ready to begin their life among you in September. I believe under Anthony's ministry the church will go from strength to strength and exciting times lay ahead, I'm sure.

I would just like to thank everyone who attended my farewell service (as one friend responded "well Fred, we wanted to make sure it was your last service!")...ho ho ho! I was touched by your gifts to me and that standing ovation at the end. I was overwhelmed by your kindness and then that amazing cake that Debbie made and for the fantastic lunch...what a send off! I was a bit emotional after all that but can I say that whilst I fronted the project, there are so many of those involved who deserve cakes, standing ovations and gifts! But thank you all again and farewell. And may God richly bless you as a new chapter on Fairford Leys begins.....

Fred Ireland
Rev Fred Ireland
9th June 2010