At 4.30pm on Saturday 3 July the Diocese said farewell to Bishop David and Sarah Stancliffe here in the Cathedral.

There were gifts given and speeches made, and then at 5.30pm Bishop David preached at his final Evensong as Bishop of Salisbury.

We also welcomed representatives from our link churches in the Sudan, Latvia and the Diocese of Evreux.

During his 17 years in Salisbury Bishop David has been an energetic and much loved presence in this diocese. He has led with a vision for the church’s mission and ministry which has inspired many and produced a mature discipleship across the parishes. His visits to the Sudan have enormously strengthened our bonds of affection with Archbishop Daniel and his people, and the re-establishment of Bishop Gwynne College in Juba has received a great boost by the gifts people have given this spring as an expression of their thanks and appreciation of his ministry amongst us. We will remember him as someone who liked to say ‘yes’ wherever he could.

Bishop David has also embraced our Cathedral community with a distinct and unforgettable warmth, arising from his in-depth understanding of the joys and pressures of cathedral life as Provost of Portsmouth. He has prayed with us routinely, not just on the large occasions, but through each week in the Trinity Chapel, and in doing so has both enjoyed and contributed to the rhythm of prayer of the Cathedral.

On occasions formal and informal he has been the best of friends and we will miss him.

Sarah too has been an integral part of our life in being a regular member of our congregation and being seen at many diocesan, civic and social events, not least the Sudan Garden Party.

Both she and Bishop David have been friends to many within the Cathedral, and we will remember them for their encouraging presence and exemplary hospitality.

We send them our good wishes as they explore the path that lies ahead in their ministry and their life together. We give thanks to God for them and assure them of our continued prayers.