A VICAR has retired as Rector of the benefice of Thornton-le-Dale.

Rev Dr Jo White said that when she arrived in the village in February 2013 to become Rector she said then that she felt she had one last job in her – and now the time has come to retire from that last job.

“Never say never, we do not know what God has planned, but I do think now is the time for me to leave and to enjoy retirement time which many of the people I serve tell me is wonderful,” she said.

“When Parish Priests retire they are asked by the church not to live where they last served in order that their successor doesn’t have them breathing down their neck so to speak, so my husband and I will be moving 10 miles away, which will be enough to be not only out of the Benefice but out of the Deanery and even the Archdeaconry. We have made many local friends and we love this area of the country so we want to stay in touch but still be far enough away not to crowd or encroach.”

Rev Jo’s last Sunday service was held at St George’s, Wilton, with many people taking part not only from the five churches in the Benefice and the three Methodist chapels, but also individuals who have known her in various roles, including foundation school governor and chairman of the Lady Lumley’s Almshouse Trust; as well as families who came to know her through a personal service of joy or sadness. Also present were friends from her previous Parishes in Derby Diocese.

Rev Jo said: “The service was wonderful. It felt really uplifting and a time of worship and thanksgiving for the years I have been able to serve in this capacity full-time, and the privilege of being invited and allowed into people’s lives at times of their deepest tragedies and their greatest joys. I am also grateful for the many times that I have been supported. I’d like to thank everyone who has worked alongside me over the years and at this time for the many cards, gifts and expressions of good wishes that Hilton and I have received.”