David Pett moves on to pastures new

David Pett who took on a pioneering ecumenical role to support rural churches in West Devon is off to pastures new.

The ecumenical rural development officer role, which was funded by the Methodist Connexion and the Exeter Diocese, has now come to an end after three years. David has found a new job as regional officer for Dairy Co covering the whole of the South West working with cattle and sheep farmers.

David said: “The last few years have simply flown by. I have greatly enjoyed meeting so many people who are very keen to work alongside their communities and make a difference. Highlights for me have been the two rural conferences that I helped organise with the rural issues group, the successful and innovative audio installation in Sheepstor Church and the opening of the community shop at Buckland Brewer in the Methodist Church vestry."

Sue Tucker, the diocesan rural officer who worked alongside David said: “David soon became a well known figure … advising and assisting many chapels and churches how to make community spaces. Many plans were drawn up, seeds were sown, some of which have now come to fruition, some are just starting the work, others are still finding funding and others the dream is yet to be pulled together. Buckland Brewer Community shop is probably the one David is most proud of.

“David over the past three years has endeared himself to all those he has come into contact with, he has been a great pleasure to work with always bouncing new ideas around, full of enthusiasm for the job. The Diocese and the Methodist District and all his friends and work colleagues wish him every happiness in his new post.”

David’s website, which has examples of community projects, will be kept live for another 12 months www.wesdeven.weebly.com