A priest from Ronkswood, Worcester, has announced she is leaving for a new post in Somerset.

Rev Fran Binding has been the priest at Holy Trinity and St Matthew’s Church for the past six-and-a-half years, during which she said there had been many challenges but many more joys.

“I am moving to Wraxall in North Somerset to be closer to my family and shall be very sad to leave but will take with me some wonderful memories and a lot of experience and insight gained from colleagues and friends that will inform my ministry for years to come,” she said.

“Almost all the people I work with, both in church and the community, are gracious, kind and thoughtful and everyone wants to do their best for Ronkswood and for God.

“I have been blessed with a great team of faithful friends and colleagues at church, in the Worcester south east team and across the city and I have a lot of admiration for our bishop.

“I have been very grateful for all the supportive and kind messages I received after the announcement of my new post at a difficult time.”

The church closed its doors at the beginning of December last year, which saw Perry Wood Primary and Nursery School on St Albans Close become its new, permanent home.

Rev Binding said despite the closure of the church and the announcement of its demolition in May this year, the number of people attending services and social events had grown and the search for a new vicar had already begun.

Churchwarden and Parochial Church Council secretary, Angela Hughes, had been at the church for 10 years and worked closely with Rev Binding.

She said she had become “part of the family” and would be missed.

“Her boundless energy, enthusiasm for her work, passion and, above all, love, have been an inspiration to the whole community,” said Mrs Hughes.

“I fully understand and support her reasons for leaving and the grateful thanks and good wishes of us all go with her as we look forward to building on her work in Ronkswood as part of an exciting future for St Matthew’s.”

There will be a Pie and Pud’s Harvest Supper on Saturday, October 5, from 7pm at Ronkswood Com-munity Centre to celebrate the Reverend’s last harvest with homemade pie and vegetables, seasonal harvest pudding and a complementary drink.

Tickets cost £6 per person with the proceeds going to the church, and can be booked in advance by calling Marian Bailey on 01905 359709, or by calling Angela Hughes on 01905 356661.