MEMBERS and friends of the methodist churches of the former Camelford and Tintagel, and Week St Mary methodist circuits gathered at Tintagel United Methodist Church on Sunday, September 5 for a service to celebrate the inauguration of the two to form the Camelford and Week St Mary Circuit.

The congregation was welcomed by the superintendent minister, Rev Bryan Ede, who also led the opening prayers. The service was conducted by the Chairman of the Cornwall Methodist District, Rev Steve Wild, with the help of his frog puppet, Clarence, and friends.

Rev Wild caused the congregation to look at the past, the present and into the future as the two circuits 'married'.

The lesson was read by the Rev Ray Avent, and prayers of intercession were led by Rev Doreen Sparey-Delacassa.

During the service a presentation was made to Mr Len Mabson of Camelford by Rev Steve Wild. He received a framed certificate to mark his 60 years service as a local preacher in the methodist church and a gift of garden tokens in thanks for nearly 20 years as a circuit steward in the Camelford area.

Mr Mabson took on his first services at the former Trelill Methodist Church in 1947. He became fully accredited as a local preacher whilst studying at the Camborne School of Mines in 1950. For over 30 years he took services in Zambia where he worked as a mining engineer, prior to moving to Camelford in 1990 to retire.

An offering of £661 was also taken at the service in aid of the Disaster Emergencies Committee's appeal for the flood victims in Pakistan.