A MIREHOUSE vicar will be saying a fond farewell to the community as he leaves for pastures new.

The Rev Chris Casey and his wife Jane are leaving St Andrew’s Church at the end of the month.

The 54-year-old will become vicar at the St Mary’s at Rawtenstall and St Paul’s in Constable Lee. He will also become the Borough Dean of Rossendale.

Rev Casey has spoken about his 10-year stint at St Andrew’s. When asked what he’ll miss the most, he said: “The people, without a shadow of a doubt.”

He said: “There are very definite family ties here [in Mirehouse]. There is a love for and a pride in the estate.

“A lot of my work with baptisms, weddings and funerals has brought me into the heart of people’s families. I have shared times of joy, laughter and tears with people.”

There have been numerous changes at St Andrew’s including the vision, appearance and culture.

Activities held there include Messy Church, Fledglings and groups like Scouts Explorers and West Cumbria Sports Disability Group.

Close links have been built with Valley School as well as St Benedict’s Church, as the churches hold events together.

Rev Casey worked with Seathwaite Community Centre and the South Whitehaven Neighbourhood management board.

He was chaplain to the 1030 squadron ATC, the police and wing chaplain for Cumbria and North Lancashire.

He has learned that “relationships are utterly key,” adding: “Not just relationships in the church but also relationships in the community.”

It is important to understand networks in the community and the need to work with groups, he added.

Mirehouse Labour Club hosted a farewell party for the Caseys with 120 guests. Elected mayor Mike Starkie praised Rev Casey for his efforts in the community.

Mark Ryan, Labour Club president, said: “Chris has been a huge influence on so many people on the Mirehouse estate, where he has made so many friends.

“As a club we couldn’t let him and Jane go without us saying thank you for his and St Andrew’s support to everyone in our community.

“Chris will be a huge miss, but we wish him and Jane all the best for the future.”

The Diocese of Carlisle will not replace Rev Casey. His role will be covered by Rev Fergus Pearson at St John’s Church at Hensingham and Rev Paul Kerry from St Bridget’s Church at Moresby.