The Bishop of Crediton, the Right Reverend Bob Evens officiated at the licensing of The Reverend Jane Lucas as Priest-in-Charge of Ashwater, Beaworthy, Clawton, Halwill and Tetcott with Luffincott on Monday evening.

The benefice has been without a Priest-in-Charge since the Reverend Debbie May, who was both Rector of Ashwater and the Rural Dean of Holsworthy, emigrated to Australia in February 2008.

The service took place at the Church of St Peter Ad Vincula, Ashwater and was very well attended, the large local congregation being swelled further by visitors from farther afield including Chumleigh, where Jane and her husband have run the family farm and farm shop for many years.

Previously assistant curate in the Little Dart Team Ministry based in South Molton, Jane has very recently moved home with her husband and taken up residence in the Rectory at Ashwater.

In a touching service the Bishop welcomed Jane, who was presented by the Churchwardens, and he commended her upon her choice of Hymns, which he felt from personal knowledge represented her character and dedication.

He read the preface to the Declaration of Assent to which the new minister responded and then declared her oath of allegiance before receiving the official licensing and formal installation.

Ministers from other local churches and representatives of the churches of the benefice, the people of the community and the congregation greeted Jane as the new minister embracing her into the diocese, as in turn she undertook to serve the Mission Community and Deanery.

The Reverend Jane Lucas then conducted her first official duty by reading the notices of the day which included an invitation to attend a brief service of remembrance at the Ashwater war memorial on November 11 and a service at Halwill next Sunday plus the 'European Launch' of a new recipe book in Ashwater church the following evening. The proceeds from the sale of the book will go towards church funds.

After completion of the formalities all were invited to enjoy the splendid array of refreshments provided by members of the congregation.