HAVING seen the article and photos in last week’s Advertiser I would like to wish the Reverend Jill Bentall a very happy retirement.
Jill has worked long and hard for various parishes over the years and I first met her in the 1980s, before she was ordained.
She knew I played guitar and asked me to play hymns for services at the newly opened Smannell Road Church Centre as they were short of an organist.
I remember her dropping hymn books round during the week with pages marked for me to learn to play and sing by Sunday!
Later she presided at the Christenings of two of my granddaughters, Charlotte and Amy, and at funerals, including those of my father and my second husband Gus.
Her services were unique and memorable and she became a friend over the years.
Recently, our newly formed group 4 toons played at two Holiday at Home events at St Thomas’s Church, Charlton, organised by Jill. People from various groups got together for lunch and a holidaythemed afternoon, which was great fun for all.
Thank you, Jill, for many years of service, very much appreciated not only by your parishioners, but by the Andover community.
Irene Williams, Heath Vale
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