Thank you for the warm welcome at my licensing, it was amazing to see so many from the
villages here to welcome us. We felt totally enveloped in your care and it was such a joyful
event, I think the smiles on the photos below show that. Thank you to all who were involved
in so many ways to make the service run so smoothly. We’ve had wonderful comments from
those who were visiting who said how well run it was, and that is down to the many people
who helped.
We look forward to getting to know you all. I have been along to a couple of events in the
villages in the first week and I intend to come along to some more over the coming weeks. I
will also start joining people for a walk around the amazing countryside soon. I certainly
‘Christened’ my new walking boots walking to Drinkstone and back last weekend; there was
a slight fear at one moment that I might do a ‘Vicar of Dibley’ and disappear into some of the
puddles! The weather is slowly getting better, the daffodils are coming out, there are the
signs of spring and lighter days; the darkness of winter is coming to an end, and the hope of
Easter is just around the corner.
Sarah and Phil

Revd Sarah Hall
Curate in Charge Woolpit and Drinkstone Benefice

07503 205310

Right Reverend Joanne Grenfell, Bishop of St Edmunsbury and Ipswich, and Reverend Sarah Hall

Reverend Ruth Farrell officially retired as rector of the Woolpit and Drinkstone Benefice on July 20 following many years in her role. 

Retirement parties and gifts were arranged to thank her for all she has done for her congregations since she was made rector in 2007. 

And on August 5, Revd Ruth was gifted a special and prestigious certificate of Long and Exemplary Dedicated Service.

The certificate, which came as a complete surprise to the reverend and is rarely handed out, was from the Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich as an “acknowledgement of her faithful service to the diocese and benefice”.

The certificate reads: “In thanksgiving for many years of dedicated service to the life of the Church of England in Suffolk.” 

It is signed by Martin Seeley, Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich. 

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant,” it reads.