The Right Reverend Norman Banks, the Bishop of Richborough led the Mass of Rededication in front of a full church that included many local Priests who joined in concelebration of the Mass. The Archdeacon of Totnes , the Ven Douglas Dettmer was there and spoke of the new life that the refurbishment had brought to St John's. Other guests included the Headteacher from our church school, St Catherine's, Heathfield, and the Earl of Devon, Lord Charles Courtenay who is both a name sake of and fourth great grand nephew of St John's founder Canon Charles Courtenay. Both Headteacher Vicky McCaig and Lord Courtenay read lessons during the Mass.  

But the church was mostly filled with the servers, friends, members of the congregation, crafts people who worked on the church and the PCC members and Churchwardens of both St John's and local churches.

It was a wonderful celebration that was followed by a celebratory buffet and drinks in Wickham Hall, our church hall that is next in line for refurishment!