TWO prominent Wharfedale churchmen are both saying a final Amen to their congregations this month.

After seven years as Superintendent Minister of the Ilkley Methodist Circuit, the Rev Peter Sheasby is leaving the area to take up a new position in Fulwood, Preston.

He said: "We are only appointed for so long, so after seven years it is time to move on. I'm not looking forward to packing everything up and leaving, but I am definitely looking forward to a new challenge.

"I have been very happy here and it's hard to uproot, but I'm looking forward. I'm pleased with what I've seen done in the area, especially the millennium celebrations, which were very important, and the opening of the Churches Together in Ilkley Millennium House for young adults with learning disabilities."

Mr Sheasby has also been based at Halifax and Leeds and said his move would be different, not being in Yorkshire.

"Living in Preston will be very different to what I have got used to. Especially in an area like this there is such a sense of community, and there won't be as much in Preston. I'll definitely miss that.

"You get to know a lot of people in seven years, so it's always hard to move on."

The Rev Christine Hey, who was previously based in Nottingham, will be taking over from Mr Sheasby. There will be a chance to say farewell to him on Sunday at 6.30pm at Christchurch, The Grove, Ilkley.

After suffering a heart attack last year, the Rev Gilmoure Davies has decided to retire from his position as Pastor at Mount Hermon Chapel, Addingham.

Pastor Davies works full time at a printing company, as well as being chairman of Steeton Male Voice Choir, so he thinks retiring from the chapel is a good idea. "I think it's time for me to slow down a bit. It's time for me to start relaxing more. Being a Pastor is quite a thing - it does take a lot of preparation for a Sunday service."

Mr Davies, whose last service is on July 29, became Pastor at Mount Hermon Chapel in July 1995 and insists he would have carried on for longer if it wasn't for ill health.

"My cardiologist advised me to slow down a bit, but I would have liked to carry on for a few more years. One good thing from the heart attack is that I've stopped smoking," he said.

Mr Davies says he will miss the Chapel, but hopes to remain involved in some way.

"I'll definitely miss the congregation and the members of the Addingham Christians Together group. They are a lovely bunch and have shown nothing but warmth in the six years I've been there.

"I've been invited to do the harvest festival service, which is nice but a bit odd because I've not done a harvest service here. For the past six years we have had a guest do the service and so this year I'll be the guest!"

Congregation member Susan Roe, whose husband is organist at the chapel, will take over as Pastor.