Hundreds of well-wishers gathered in Durham Cathedral on Sunday 3rd March to bid a fond farewell to the Venerable Ian Jagger and his Wife Ruth on their retirement. For the last 18 years, Ian (63) and Ruth have been faithful servants of the Church and Communities of Durham since moving to the Diocese from Portsmouth Diocese in 2001. Ian has been Archdeacon of Durham and Canon Residentiary of Durham Cathedral since 2006, prior to that he was Archdeacon of Auckland and Rural Development Officer in the Diocese. The Rt. Revd. Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham, said: “Ian’s service as first, Archdeacon of Auckland, and then Archdeacon of Durham has been marked by gentle care, deep humility and wonderful wisdom. He has undertaken this as a man of prayer whose life has inspired many. Alongside him, Ruth has been a brilliant secretary and support as well as an ordained minister assisting in many places herself. They will both be greatly missed.” The Very Revd. Andrew Tremlett, Dean of Durham said: “I speak on behalf of myself and my colleagues, in saying that Ian will be greatly missed by the Cathedral community. His wisdom, gentleness and humanity have been a source of inspiration and of consolation on so many occasions. Having been with us since 2006, Ian played a significant part in advancing mission and worship at Durham Cathedral and on a broader scale within the Diocese of Durham. We wish Ian and his wife Ruth all the best in their future endeavours’.” The Cathedral community bade farewell to the popular couple during the morning service whilst members of the Diocese did so during Even Song. Common to both services was a palpable sense of admiration and respect for a couple who have blessed our communities during their 18 years here. In addition to his Diocesan and Cathedral roles, Ian has also served on The General Synod of The Church of England for many years as a member of the House of Clergy. He was ordained in London in 1982 serving his curacy in Twickenham before moving to the Diocese of Oxford where he held several roles before moving to Portsmouth Diocese and then on to Durham. Ruth was ordained in 1990 in Oxford. Ian and Ruth will be moving to the Portsmouth area in due course.