Friends travel from as far as Hong Kong to wish popular Spalding clergyman a happy retirement

Friends travelled from as far away as Hong Kong to ensure a retiring clergyman was given a ‘wonderful send off’.

Rev John Bennett and wife Mary were joined by more than 300 well wishers as they enjoyed an afternoon tea and service at Spalding’s St Mary and St Nicolas Church as they brought their 14-year love affair with the town to a close last Sunday (June 30).

“It was a wonderful send off they gave us,” said Rev John, who is beginning a new life in Bridlington this week.

“It was lovely to see so many different aspects of Spalding represented, the many things I’ve been involved with.”

Among those wishing the Bennetts well were parliamentary hopefuls Sir John Hayes and Mark Le Sage, Spalding Grammar School head Steven Wilkinson, South Holland District Council vice-chair Coun Jan Whitbourn, the Bishop of Grantham, Nicholas Chamberlain, parishioners and representatives of Spalding Parish School and the Spalding Town Husbands.

Former colleagues also paid tribute, with Rev Frankie Lee, a curate at the church between 2012 and 2015, flying in especially from Hong Kong, while Rev Dr Evan McWilliams, now based in London, and Rev Aileen Workman were also among those who attended.

“People made a real effort to come, which was a great delight,” added Rev John, who quipped that life was ‘going to get stranger before it feels normal again’.

“We had a few nice words from Jean Hill, the church warden, as well.

“We were so thankful to everybody who came. We’ve had so many nice things written and sent.

“We really felt loved and cherished as we were sent on our way with everybody’s wishes.

“I’ll always look with great fondness on the church, on Spalding and our time here.”

Rev John and Mary bid farewell in style following Evensong, where a 65-strong choir sang ‘magnificently’.

“I gave the blessing at the end of the service,” explained Rev John.

“Mary came up and joined me and we walked together down the aisle. People stood and clapped, we gave a wave… and we were gone.

“It was just a moment that was glorious.”

Do you wish to leave a comment of thanks to John? Feel free to post below…