Vicar Hywel set to say farewell to Market Drayton
He has served Market Drayton for almost 10 years and once managed to break both his arms after playing Pokemon Go.
Now father Hywel Snook, who has been based at Christ Church in Little Drayton since 2009, has announced he is leaving the area to take up a new challenge in Bristol.
The popular priest will be setting up a new parish in Yate, close to the city.
He said: “I have greatly enjoyed my time at Christ Church and in Market Drayton.
"My family and I will miss the many friends both within and outside of the church that we have made.
"This has been a difficult decision to make.”
During his time in the parish, Hywel has been instrumental in launching a number of projects including a setting up a memory walk for people to remember their loved ones.
He also sits on the panel of a unique internet programme - The TGI Monday Show.
The 10 minute show, which was launched in December and can be watched on YouTube and Facebook, sees a panel of church men and women discuss different issues.
Hywel also helped raised money for a new community room
He said: "One of the highlights has been the improvements made to the church building. We opened the back of the church up by improving it to make a new community area.
"This has seen a great deal of use since it was done and I particularly enjoyed the open day we had to celebrate this.
"There’s also a constant highlight which is that it’s been great sharing the lives of the people of the town through their weddings, baptisms and funerals and being able to help the people of the town.”
One of the challenges Hywel said he has faced was when he fall off his bike.
He said: "One of the most challenging times was when I fell off my bike and broke both arms whilst I was playing Pokemon Go.
"Another challenge has been keeping up to pace with the changes that were necessary due to the growth of the Christ Church over the years.
"People have often said that they will miss me, and I will miss the people here, but I’m excited by the new challenge I will be facing in Yate and know that Christ Church will continue its journey forward and to grow.
"I will be working as part of a team in a new venture for the Church of England. This will be working on a new estate in the north of Yate, near Bristol, and setting up a new church /parish for them.
"I will also be looking to help the churches in the area to work more effectively together."
Paul Evans, church warden at Christ Church, said: "We will miss him and his family greatly.
"He has achieved many major things during his time here and has been a positive influence on both the community and many individual lives.”
Hywel’s last service at Christ Church will be held on October 22 at 10am.
