ON Sunday, the Rev. Marianne Osborne, curate of St. Mary's and the surrounding benefice, presented the final sermon of her ministry in Tenby to a large and appreciative congregation of members of all five churches.

It was with anticipation, enthusiasm and a little tear of sadness that Marianne spoke movingly to the parishioners and expressed her feelings about her new post and the happy memories of her two-and-a-half-years as curate.

She and her family have been residents in the vicarage in Penally and have been busy packing and preparing for their move to their new home in Burton.

Rev. Osborne has been appointed as priest in charge of Burton, with Rosemarket, and as diocesan youth chaplain and will be licensed in her new post at a service at Rosemarket Church on Monday.

Near the end of worship, members of Sunday Club presented a warm visual goodbye to Marianne and the congregation was also treated to an amazing 'off the cuff' dramatisation by Nan Dowell and two willing helpers! (Rev. Michael will be charging for unofficial borrowing of his clothes and guitar in future!)

After the service, friends gathered in an informal goodbye to a greatly admired and respected minister.

Gifts of gratitude and speeches of unanimous appreciation were presented to Marianne by the Rector, Rev. Andrew Davies, Mrs. Nicole Evans (Rector's warden), Mr. John Morgan (verger), on behalf of The Soupermen, Mrs. Pat Davies, of Tenby Mothers' Union, Mrs. Iris Taylor, of the Penally members, Rev. Michael John on behalf of the youth group, and Dr. John Harrison.

Marianne was wished a wonderfully successful ministry in the years ahead, richly blessed with God's guidance and love.

Members of the Tenby benefice will remember her time at St. Mary's with gratitude for her energy and the way in which she was able to offer support and care for all those whom she encountered.

She and her family were then whisked off for a farewell lunch with members of St. Anne's, New Hedges, and other guests. Thank you Marianne, you will be greatly missed.