TWO of the district's well-known people are planning a new life in the Lake District after serving Warrington for a total of 65 years between them.

Reverend Bob Rowlands retired from the parishes of St Matthew's in Stretton and St Cross in Appleton Thorn on Sunday after 29 years service, while his wife, Glenys, stepped down from her teaching job with Warrington Collegiate Institute after 36 years.

Glenys has been teaching drawing and painting at the Museum Street campus of the Collegiate since 1964, when it was known as Warrington College of Art.

Glenys said: "I have very much enjoyed my time at the college.

"I have loved teaching the hundreds of students who have attended my classes and I shall be sad to leave."

Her husband added: "It has been a privilege to serve such a long ministry in such a loving and caring community.

"My wife and I have had a very happy time here."

The Liverpool-born vicar says the highlight of his long ministry in the Warrington area has been watching the progression of family life.

"Watching my parishioners grow up has been a privilege," he said.

"I have baptized children and gone on to have the honour of conducting their wedding services.

"There is such a caring and friendly feeling that surrounds these parishes."

Assistant priest, Geoff Buchan, will take over the position temporarily until a replacement can be found.

The couple are now making plans to move to the Lake District where they will pursue their keen interest in walking.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.