FOND farewells were paid last Sunday to Chiddingfold rector The Rev Sarah Brough, who is stepping down after 15 years.

A trailblazer, she was the first female curate to be appointed in the Godalming deanery, which extends to Haslemere, in 1999, and the first woman to be appointed rector of St Mary’s Church, Chiddingfold.

During her ministry, the thriving church has bucked the national trend by expanding its congregation and added a landmark turf-roofed church room in 2010, which won an architectural award.

More recently, villagers rallied around to raise £200,000 for a new roof to secure the future of their grade one-listed church and install a new lighting system, completed in 2017.

Mrs Brough, who also made history by becoming the first Chiddingfold rector to get married while in post, is hopeful St Mary’s will go from strength to strength, following the appointment of a youth and children’s worker to forge closer links with younger residents.

She is now taking a ‘gap year’ to spend more time with her husband Chris and son Joseph, who starts secondary school next term, and to decide what her next step will be.

The family are moving just down the road, to Ockley. They were given a special farewell party on Sunday in the great hall at Ramster, attended by more than 200 parishioners.

The search for a new rector now begins. The post will be advertised on July 20 and the new incumbent could be in post in early 2019.

Mrs Brough said: “I’m taking a year out to take time to reflect on what my next step will be.

“I’m leaving a very healthy church that has grown in terms of attendance, contrary to what you tend to hear elsewhere. I’m really proud St Mary’s is part of the Inclusive Church organisation and welcomes everyone.

“When I came to the church I was single. I got married a year later and then Joseph came along, so we are leaving as a family and I have so much to be thankful for.

“Chiddingfold will always be hugely significant for us, as the parish where we became a family and put down roots, and have been blessed with so much love and kindness.

“I have been hugely touched and thankful for all the cards, messages and gifts and the many friendships I have made over the past 15 years.

“I’d like to say thank you to all the wonderful people in Chiddingfold.The love , fellowship and faith in the community has been so strong.”

Surrey Archdeacon The Venerable Paul Davies said: “I wish to add my voice to this of many in expressing sincere thanks to Sarah for outstanding service to the parish of Chiddingfold over the past 15 years.

“She has been a strong leader during this time.”