THE BISHOP of Ramsbury, the Rt Revd Dr Edward Condry will retire at the end of April when he turns sixty-five.

A farewell service will be held for him at an Evensong service at St John’s church in Devizes on April 15 at 6pm.

The Rt Revd Edward Condry, 64, was appointed in June 2012 and lives with his wife Sarah on Westbury Road in Warminster.

Speaking at the announcement of his retirement, he said: “Sarah and I move on with some sadness but with much thanksgiving. I have been blessed here with great colleagues.

“We have loved living in the beautiful county of Wiltshire. It has been a privilege to serve the parishes of this Diocese.

“I have been constantly astonished at the generous and loving work of those who worship here, quietly serving Christ through their service to neighbours and communities.”

Rt Rev Condry became a familiar face on his bike on the roads of Wiltshire after he gave up driving for lent and cycled over 1,500 miles across the county to visit the many rural communities he serves.

The Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam, Bishop of Salisbury, said:“Bishop Ed has been the encourager he said he wanted to be when he became Bishop of Ramsbury.

“There is much to give thanks for and they will be greatly missed. Meanwhile we can enjoy the last few months of ministry with them here as we begin 2018 together.”