AS the Rev John Stone told all those invited to the Helpers’ Service at St Mary’s, Hemyock, it takes far more than one person to arrange a service – just as the church depends on all its volunteers, many of whom work in the background. 

The service, held at the start of Volunteers’ Week, was to give thanks for the many people who help, assist and minister in any capacity for, or on behalf of, their local parish church.

Volunteers were  invited to take forward a symbol of their work during the service.

They included clergy, wardens, ringers, choristers, cleaners, flower arrangers, safeguarding, fundraisers, food bank, charity shop, Friends of St Mary’s, MU, publicity, summer and winter lunches and car rota.

The collection to be equally shared between the Blackdown Support Group and Shelterbox raised £152.

Following the service a cream tea was enjoyed by those present.