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Retiring Richard putting feet down - not up!
Jul 2, 2002
PUTTING his best foot forward rather than putting his feet up is what Methodist minister Richard Hunter will be doing when he retires.Rather than resting up after his farewell service at 10.30am on Sunday, July 14, Richard is busy planning a trek along the Great Wall of China for actionaid, a charity both he and his wife, Brenda, have supported for over 30 years.
Richard`s official retirement is at the end of August, after which Revd Keith Pearce from West Bromwich takes over. In the meantime, Richard remains available if needed, and after a year according to usual Methodist rules he becomes a supernumerary minister in the circuit.
Richard was a fifth generation farmer in the shadow of Hadrian`s Wall when 10 years ago he felt called to the ministry. He came to Barnard Castle as a probationary minister eight years ago and retires now as the Superintendent Minister for Barnard Castle and Teesdale, covering 10 churches. "Our aim has been to encourage people to use their gifts within the church and share their own particular skills. There are so many gifted people out there," said Richard on Monday.
He oversees a thriving congregation averaging 60-80 adults alone, who see themselves as a family. A steady programme of improvement to the fabric of the building and its facilities has been carried out, including better lighting, disabled access, big print books and a loop system, to make the church more inclusive.
Brenda has been busy too. A retired school teacher, she helps with the Sunday School, is one of 14 pastoral carers, is a trained LEAP tutor and became District Commissioner for Guiding for the Raby District. "She is also my right hand man and I can¹t do without her," said Richard. "I have also had excellent help from our lay workers, Barbara Rowarth and Hazel Hawkins, and from Penelope Harrison in the office.
"It has been at times demanding, especially last year with the FMD, but it has been very rewarding and we have made so many friends."
OTrek China` will be a challenging adventure for a cause close to his heart, and Richard is currently seeking sponsors, needing to raise £2,500; forms are available from the Teesdale Mercury reception, Curlews bookshop and A Cut Above.