Rev. Marianne Osborne, the Rector of St. Issell’s in Saundersfoot and St. Elidyr’s in Amroth announced to her congregations on Sunday that she was off to pastures new and that the Harvest Festival Service on Sunday, October 1, would be her last in the parish. The Bishop of St. Davids, Rev. Joanna Penberthy has decided to promote Marianne and has appointed her to the Bishop’s senior staff in the new role of diocesan transition missioner.

Rev. Marianne says: “It’s very exciting! I’ve been in my current role for almost four years; it’s been challenging, but fruitful. I shall miss all those who have become friends, not just parishioners.”

During Marianne’s time in the parish, both churches have held new events and services and it is planned that all this will continue. St. Issell’s is a particularly busy church with events happening most days in either the church or the schoolroom. We have a thriving playgroup on Monday mornings welcoming in preschool children with their carers, table tennis club twice a week, an exercise class on Wednesday morning, Sung Eucharist on Sunday morning and Said Eucharist on Wednesday morning. Marianne also began a monthly healing service which has been enjoyed by many people and this will continue.

The parishes are very lucky to have Rev. Shirley Rayner, Rev. Paul Boyle and Rev. Tricia Campion who are all retired clergy, but who are going to ensure that the weekly services continue. We now enter an interregnum period until the new mission areas in the diocese are settled upon and the Area Dean, Rev. Kingsley Taylor will be responsible for overseeing the two churches. Any enquiries for weddings may be made to him by email or telephone [email protected] or 01994 240494.

Rev. Marianne was a huge part of the community in Saundersfoot. She spent many happy hours in Saundersfoot CP School where she was regularly invited to come in and teach the children and she was very happy for the school to visit the church for their Christmas carol service. You may even have seen Marianne treading the boards as a member of Saundersfoot Footlights. Marianne also became a warranted Brownie leader and was an integral part of the leadership team in St. Issell’s Brownies, and over the years, the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides have all held meetings in the church. Rev. Marianne will continue in her role as chaplain to Girlguiding Pembrokeshire. Rev. Marianne also worked with the clergy of the other churches in Saundersfoot to arrange joint services.

The two churches come together on Sunday to celebrate Harvest Festival in St. Issell’s, at 10.30 am, and a warm welcome is extended to everyone to attend Rev. Marianne’s last service. The Rainbows, Brownies and Guides will be taking part in the service and there is to be a bring and share lunch in the church afterwards. It will be a sad day as we say farewell to Marianne, but we wish her many congratulations on her promotion and send her and the family on their way with our love and thanks.

We will then continue with our services and on Sunday you are welcome to St. Elidyr’s, at 9 am, or St. Issell’s at 10.30 am. A warm welcome awaits you at both services.

H.P.