A much-valued Methodist Minister is retiring to Devon to be nearer to family after eight years of service to Widnes.

Rev. Jenny MacGregor held pastoral responsibilities at Cronton Methodist Chapel, Farnworth Methodist Church, Trinity Methodist United Reformed Church, Widnes, and St James Methodist Church Rainhill.

As a farewell message to the community, Rev. Macgregor said: “I have had times of sadness meeting you through funerals, and health issues, but [also] lots of joyful moments with baptisms, weddings, and meetings where we have tried to enable others to be cared for and respected as we all should be.

“May I thank you all for your love and support and please continue to respect this awful virus by abiding the rules and safe distancing. Please keep your lovely Victoria Park clean, as it has been a joy to see and walk around.

“Continue to help each other as best as you can. I will hold you all in my love, prayers and I send you blessings of hope for the future.”

More securlarly, Rev MacGregor also worked with Halton Borough Council at its Safeguarding, Faith Forum, Suicide Prevention and Memorial evenings – as well as with the British Legion at the Cenotap, and as a Governor at Fairfield Primary School with Cllr Eddie Jones.

Her other work included a Trusteeship for the Widnes Foodbank, as part of the Chaplaincy team at Riverside College, Chair of Widnes Street Pastors, and founding the Trinity Safe Space working group, aiding vulnerable asylum seekers and refugees.