Reverend Will Gibbs is moving on from Redbourn after 16 years of service to the church, parish and village. In September he will join the team at St Albans Abbey as Canon for Mission and Pastoral Care. He, Claire, Olivia and Darcy will be moving just a little way “up the road” over the summer period.

A Service of thanksgiving for his time with us and a farewell celebration will be held on Sunday 24 July at 11.00 am, followed by a bring and share lunch.

He’d be delighted to see as many of his friends as possible on that day. The service will be outside in the churchyard if the weather is kind, and lunch will be set out in the Transept Hall. There should be plenty of food to go around, but feel free to bring your own if you wish.

The occasion will be very relaxed. If you can only come to one part of the day, or even pop in for a few minutes, you will be just as welcome as if staying for everything.

If you would like to contribute to Will’s leaving gift, donations can be made by bank transfer using these details:

• Name: Parochial Church Council of St Mary Redbourn
• Sort Code: 40-23-11
• Account: 51119354
• Reference: Farewell Gift

If you prefer to donate by cash, this can be handed to any of the Churchwarden team – Paul Vernon, Michelle Parry-Slater, Stephen Gell and Catharine Pusey – when you next see us.

Will has given much of himself in his time at St Mary’s and has been greatly supported by Claire and their girls. We will miss them, but will do our best to give them a memorable send off.