Congregation bids farewell to its vicar

The Rev Graham Steel and his wife Mandy are leaving Essex after 17 years and heading for a new rural parish which will see him overseeing a wider number of churches, including three with thatched roofs.

More than 200 people attended a service, celebration and lunch at St Peter's Church, Eastbourne Grove, Westcliff, on Sunday.

Mr Steel told them: "This town has been very special to us. We brought up our children here, but what is most special is the people.

"So many people have supported us in so many ways. That's what we are going to miss most of all - the people."

Mrs Steel, who worked at Southend Library, added: "When people heard we were going to St Cedd's Church, which is where we started in Southend, they said it was a very rough area and we'd have to be careful walking there.

"But what a fabulous place this parish has been to work in.

"I have never felt unsafe.

"We have left our garage door open, our car unlocked and only once or twice has anything happened. It's been a really good place to bring up a family."

During the farewell, it was announced that the vestry at St Peter's has been renamed the Steel Suite in the couple's honour.

They were also presented with a carving of a Bible on a lectern, which was hand-made by parishioner Ted Jeffries, and a frame including photos of St Peter's, St Cedd's and Bridgwater Drive United Reformed Church, taken by parishioner Harry Smith.

A plate was presented by Rev Stewart Kimber on behalf of churches in Chalkwell and a vase to thank the couple for their help with Scout groups.

During his lively speech which opened the celebration, St Cedd's church organist Barry Roberts said: "Graham is well-known for picking hymns that no-one has ever heard of.

"I'd say "are you sure?" and he's say "the words are what I want, we'll learn the music". We usually did, five minutes before the service."

He said Mr Steel was highly respected and praised his work with clubs, the wider community and in Kenya.