Rev Julian Ould has left the Islands to start a new life on the mainland.
Julian has been Chaplain of the Isles of Scilly for the past decade since he was invited to move to the Islands after visiting for several years as a holiday-maker. He and wife Beccy left for Totnes in Devon on Monday 16 January.
The previous day, islanders had shown their affection for the popular clergyman with a farewell address and presentation at his final Sunday service at the Parish Church on St Mary’s. He was given a painting by local artist Chris Smith of Penninis, a favourite spot for walking his dog.
ScillyNews interviewed Rev Ould for our ‘Islander of the Week’ slot in 2004 and he talked about the unique nature of his Island ministry. ‘There’s hardly ever a baptism, wedding or funeral where I don’t have personal knowledge of the people involved,” he said. “It means it’s a great privilege being a priest. I share all the important moments of people’s lives, some of them cheerful, some of them not. It’s a very special sort of ministry.?
As well as looking after the pastoral welfare of both islanders and visitors, Rev Ould was involved in various community projects, education committees and social clubs during his time on the Islands. He was regularly seen treading the boards for Scillonian Entertainers and St Mary’s Theatre Club.
Rev and Mrs Ould have three daughters already living on the mainland.
Canon Donald Marr and the Rev Margaret Marr, of Tresco, will fill in whilst a replacement is secured, with Methodist Minister Rev David Easton assisting on the off-islands.