Goodbye to Chris and Ian Peel

For over twelve years Chris has been our non-stipendiary Deacon, firstly under Peter Ingrams and then Sarah Chapman. Now, following Ian's retirement last year, she feels that it is the right time for her to stand down. They will be moving back to their beloved Yorkshire.

In all that time Chris has really been the eyes and ears of the parish. Whenever there has been a problem or a query "Ask Chris" has nearly always been our first thought. I am sure that everyone in our church family would agree that there cannot have been a more dedicated or hardworking Deacon anywhere. The number of hours each and every day that Chris has so willingly given to her calling would be beyond most people. This has been accomplished without fanfare, always with compassion and a genuine concern for others.

Chris has been the contact point for so many and has provided such valuable and valued support to the Group Ministry in Petersfield and to PACT.

It has long been an "in-house" joke that so many of our congregation have "been Peeled." This means been gently coaxed to take on a task you had never thought about doing and then feeling the better for having agreed!

During her time with us Chris has been involved in two interregnums and as one of the present churchwardens I would like to acknowledge her support and guidance.

We are very aware that Chris could not have accomplished all that she has without the willing financial and practical support of her husband, Ian, for all these years. If Ian had done nothing more than that we would be in his debt. In fact Ian has done much more than that and his record of service to our church is one that would be hard to match. He has been churchwarden, chairman of the Fabric Committee, chairman of the Social Committee, Sidesman, Scripture Reader and general handyman. Be it as a PCC member, redecorating the choir vestry, driving people to church, lan has always carried out his duties willingly, quietly, effectively and efficiently.

Their joint contribution to the life of the church has been tremendous and to say that they will be missed is a massive understatement. The question put to me most often in the last few months has been "How will we manage without Chris and Ian?" I do not yet know the answer. But manage we must, for our best tribute to them will be to ensure that we continue all that they have done. It will not be easy but we must not fail.

It would be unwise of me to suggest that Chris is retiring from the church, or Ian either. I have a feeling that there is a church in Yorkshire that will very soon be clamouring for their services.

Chris and Ian will go to Yorkshire with our love and prayers and with our deep gratitude. We wish them well and pray that God will watch over them.

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Charlie Meader.
Churchwarden