Addingham congregation in fond farewell to departing vicar (From Ilkley Gazette)
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Addingham congregation in fond farewell to departing vicar
9:33am Thursday 1st November 2012 in News
The Reverend Andrew Tawn at his leaving party with his daughters Lucy and Rosemary and his wife Helen
Parishioners at a church in Addingham bid a fond farewell to their long-serving vicar at the weekend.
The Reverend Andrew Tawn, 51, of St Peter’s Church, completed his final service on Sunday after spending more than 14 years in the post.
The Rev Tawn said: “Every morning I looked out of the window in Addingham and thought this is the most beautiful place in the world.”
Members of the congregation held a party after his final service, joined by his two daughters – Rosemary, 16, and Lucy, 13 – and his wife Helen, 46.
He added: “Church members presented us with an album of photographs from over the years I’ve been there. This is something we will treasure and enjoy to look back over time.”
During his time in Addingham, the Rev Tawn he had a book published, entitled Naming and Blessing, which he gave to all the children he baptised.
He will now take the role of director of clergy development for the Ripon and Leeds diocese.
He added: “I am thankful to everyone who welcomed me and my family from the first day; my parishioners are like my extended family.”
