CHURCH goers have bid a tearful farewell to a vicar following her move to the churches of the Five Parishes. Rev Ivy Crawford had her official inauguration service last week in Little Easton church in front of pews packed with hundreds or guests. Whilst t

CHURCH goers have bid a tearful farewell to a vicar following her move to the churches of the Five Parishes.

Rev Ivy Crawford had her official inauguration service last week in Little Easton church in front of pews packed with hundreds or guests.

Whilst the bulk of the guests were there to welcome her to her new parish, many from her old church in Stondon Massey were present to say goodbye.

Five parishes spokesman Angela Harbottle was at the ceremony and said that the vicar was clearly very popular.

"We were blessed with a warm, dry evening," she said. "A reception took place after the service and more than 200 people packed into a marquee next to the rectory where they were welcomed with delicious refreshments".

The licensing of the Rev Crawford as Priest-in-Charge of the Five Parishes was conducted by the Bishop of Colchester, Rt Rev Christopher Morgan, and her installation was conducted by the Archdeacon of Colchester, Ven Annette Cooper.

Speaking after the ceremony, Rev Crawford said she was delighted with a wonderful start to her time in the five parishes and thanked those who attended.