NEWLY installed Hemyock minister the Rev Vanessa Cole has become only the third woman rector of the parish in more than 700 years.

Ms Cole’s inauguration service was held in St Mary’s Church, Hemyock, which dates to 1268, as she took up the part-time post which also serves Culm Davy, Clayhidon, and Culmstock.

She succeeds Upper Culm Valley Mission Rector the Rev Canon Becky Totterdell - the second woman to hold the office in seven centuries - who retired in January after five years.

Ms Totterdell had previously ministered in Exeter Cathedral.

The inauguration service was attended by about 120 people and was taken by the Bishop of Crediton the Rt Rev Moira Astin, assisted by Archdeacon the Ven Andrew Beane, with organist Nigel Atkinson.

The choir sang the anthem ‘Open to Me the Gates’, written by Henrietta Wentworth Stanley especially for the occasion.

Representatives from the four churches in the Blackdown Hills mission presented symbols of ministry to Ms Cole, water for baptism, oil for healing, a Bible, the Book of Common Prayer, and bread and wine.

After being welcomed by the Cullompton Rural Dean, churchwardens, and attending clergy, representatives from the local communities and diocese also went forward to welcome Ms Cole.

Following the service, light refreshments were served and fellowship enjoyed.

Ms Cole took her first service the following day, morning prayer in Hemyock, with a combined benefice service of Holy Communion in St Andrew’s Church, Clayhidon, held on her first Sunday in post.

Ms Cole said: “I have had an incredibly warm welcome and look forward to sharing God’s love with the people of Hemyock, Clayhidon, Culmstock, and Culm Davy.

“I am so grateful to Becky for passing me the baton as rector, and to Margaret for paving the way for female ministry.”