Rev. Ruth Farrell officially retired as Rector of the Woolpit and Drinkstone Benefice on 20 th July 2024. Amazing retirement parties were put on for her, with many gifts in grateful thanks for what she had done for the congregations of All Saints, Drinkstone, and St. Mary’s, Woolpit. However there was one gift to come that was a total surprise. On August 5 th Rev. Ruth was persuaded to visit a garden in Woolpit on the basis that the churchwardens had something to present to her.  But there were canapes and champagne, too. What was going on? Out came a framed certificate for “Long and exemplary dedicated service”, presented by the churchwardens and the Reader of the Benefice. This particular gift is rarely given, and was from the Bishop of the Diocese of St Edmundsbury as an acknowledgement of Ruth’s faithful service to the Diocese and our Benefice.