Rev Rod Corke leaves St Mary Magdalene Church for Great Malvern Priory

The Rev Rod Corke, along with his wife, Rita, a relationship counsellor, is leaving St Mary Magdalene after 12 years to take up a similar post at Great Malvern Priory, in the Worcester diocese.

Among the congregation listening to his last sermon will be Taunton Deane Mayor Cllr Catherine Herbert and her Consort, husband Robin.

Ahead of his move, Mr Corke, who is also vicar of St John the Evangelist Church, in Taunton, said: "I'm excited and challenged about going, but I'll miss the people of Taunton a great deal.

"Nothing but warmth and love has been shown to us by the church community and the wider community.

"We have loved our time in the town. It will always have a special place in our hearts."

The rural dean and archdeacon of Taunton will take responsibility at St Mary's with the churchwardens and management team helping run the church during the inter-regnum period before a new vicar is installed.

"We'll be praying for the church during that period," added Mr Corke, who has three children with his wife of 37 years, as well as four grandchildren.

He said his highlights at St Mary's include the "amazing" glass doors installed at the church entrance, the 15 new bells in the tower and helping St Mary's and St John's join together.

His collation service at Great Malvern is on June 24, when several people are travelling up from Taunton to support him.

He said: "I'm thrilled and honoured about that and they will be assured of a warm welcome."

During his time in Taunton, Mr Corke led the setting up of Taunton Team Chaplaincy and was part of the CHARIS charity initiative to bring a Syrian family to the area.

Before coming to the county town, he was a teacher and later a curate in Felixstowe following his theological training at St John's College, in Nottingham.

Meanwhile, building work is progressing on a new vicarage at St Mary's in the grounds of the existing home and is due for completion in July, ready for the new vicar.