LEARNING about issues of importance in the Exmoor Deanery proved an exhausting experience for the Bishop of Bath and Wells on what turned out to be literally a whistle-stop tour. The Rt Rev Peter Price arrived in Minehead on board a West Somerset Railway steam train for his special day out, which brought him into contact with business and tourism leaders and council officers, in addition to local clergy. During his journey, Bishop Peter had a chance to discuss economic and development issues with Bill and Sandra Wilson from Exmoor-based computer software company Ylem, rural facilitator Angela Lamplough and agricultural development officer Deb Cossey - both from West Somerset District Council - along with WSR managing director Mark Smith. Once in Minehead, a brief tour of the WSR's engineering shop was followed by lunch at the town's Promenade Hotel, where Bishop Peter talked about the church's new ways with a number of local clergy and others. A trip around the Exmoor National Park with the authority's officer Dr Nigel Stone and local livery stables owner Kevin Lamacraft provided an opportunity to discuss the impact of the hunting ban, while a visit to Putham Farm near Wheddon Cross gave Bishop Peter the chance to meet a number of West Somerset farmers. And after tea at the Exmoor White Horse Inn at Exford, where he met tourism and civic leaders, Bishop Peter rounded off his lightening tour by licensing the new priest in charge of Exford, Simsonsbath and Withypool, the Rev Keith Powell. Mr Powell, a former farmer, began his clerical career as a curate in Bridgwater, moving on to become vicar at Hatch Beauchamp, near Taunton. Several parishioners from the village, where he has spent the last eight years, travelled to Exford for the special service and to wish him well in his new post. Married, with five children, Mr Powell's farming days included stints in Salisbury and on the Quantocks. Pictured at the licensing are from left, churchwardens David Bawden (Hawkridge), Edna Clatworthy (Withypool) and Brian Duke (Exmoor), the Archdeacon the Venerable John Reed, Exford churchwarden Peter Batchelor, Bishop Peter, Exford churchwarden Kathryn Tucker, Mr Powell, Charterhouse chaplain the Rev Michael Ward, churchwardens Trudy Hawkins (Exmoor), Margaret Hutchins (Withypool) and George Vellacott (Hawkridge). Photo: Steve Guscott.
