After two years we knew Reverend Rutton Viccajee’s time was up as our interim minister and that it was time to say goodbye.

But that didn’t stop a high level of sadness pervading his last service at St Peter’s Church, Hascombe and the celebratory lunch that followed it in Hascombe Village Hall.

The people turned out in force to offer their thanks and wish Rutton and his wife Kate every happiness in their future life. The Holy Communion service went well, the arrangements for the farewell lunch were exemplary. The chefs of Dunsfold and Hascombe produced an array of fine food to feed the grateful diners.

Gifts were presented, Rutton and Kate saluted and our departing priest offered prayers for the challenges that all parties would face going forward as the interregnum began.