The recently retired Archdeacon of Blackburn, The Venerable Mark Ireland, has written a message on behalf of himself and his wife Gill Ireland to the whole Diocese to say thankyou for the gifts and good wishes they received. 

Archdeacon Mark's retirement service was on April 6 and you can see coverage of that event here on this website. 

In their message Mark and Gill say: 

Gill and I have been bowled over by the messages and cards we have received for our farewell. In particular, we would like to thank all those who have contributed so generously to the retirement gift from the diocese. This was the most lovely surprise, as I hadn't even realised a collection was being made! 

Gill and I have decided to split your lovely gift three ways - to buy two aluminium garden chairs and a table so that we can remember you all as we enjoy lunch out on the patio of our new house; to treat ourselves to a couple of nights away at Stratford, taking in a play, on the way to visit my brother Simon; and to top up the offering taken at my farewell service for the Friends of the Holy Land Lent Appeal for Gaza. That offering totalled a magnificent £1000.

We are so grateful to everyone who came to the cathedral for our farewell service and to all who helped to make it such a special occasion. It was a very moving culmination to 41 years of stipendiary ministry. Gill and I have now moved to our lovely retirement home, and we have brought with us all the cards we have received, as reminders of your love and kindness. 

'In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.' (Philippians 1.4-6)

Ronnie Semley, May 2025