THE departure of the Reverends Philip and Caroline Luff from Teignmouth after more 27 years will be a loss to the community. The couple that have brought up six children here have welcomed parishioners into their lives and in turn have become part of theirs. It has been far more than preaching from the pulpit, rather a weaving through the fabric of Teignmouth life. The familiar contact, getting to know generations through the weekly hatches, matches and dispatches at St Michael's and St James' church and offering comfort as hospital, police or school chaplain, or leading the service at important historic occasions. Rev Prebendary Luff, honorary Canon at Exeter Cathedral, officially retires as Team Rector for the Haldon ministry on February 4. Rev Caroline Luff will take up a part-time post in Harberton as assistant priest and will continue as Trinity School chaplain. They will leave their home in Dawlish Road, which they have grown to love, and where their children and nine grandchildren have spent many happy days. Mrs Luff said: 'It will be very different because it is a rural ministry and life will not be quite so hectic. 'It is a painful thing, that we are moving on. We have valued so much the people who have shared our lives and also we have had the privilege of sharing theirs.' For Mr Luff it is full retirement, though there are some things that one can't turn a back on. 'If you are ordained, you never really retire. What I am retiring from is the responsibility of running a parish.' At the Bishop's request, Mr Luff will become Prebendary emeritus, acting in a retired capacity in diocese and cathedral. When the couple moved to Teignmouth in 1979, a stone's throw from Shaldon where Caroline grew up, little did they know it would last so long. There have been challenges along the way – the unification of St James' and St Michael's churches, the creation of the Haldon Team Ministry and Caroline's ordination as one of the first female priests – but all have been a privilege, say the couple. Mrs Luff was one of the first women to be ordained in 1994, after four years as a deacon. 'I was one of the first women to be ordained and though I never thought of myself as a pioneer it was a revolutionary moment. 'Some people were uneasy and one or two have been hostile, which has saddened me, but on the whole I am grateful to the people of Teignmouth for accepting me so readily. 'I was already known as the vicar's wife, so I was not coming in from the outside and I feel that there was already a level of confidence and understanding. Mr Luff has a reputation for standing up for his beliefs, and has made the headlines with his views. Notably, he spoke against the living conditions of his parishioners in an area of Lincolnshire before coming to Teignmouth, he argued that European constitution documents should honour the history of the Christian tradition and more recently caused a storm when he mentioned a traffic warden who ticketed a hearse as the coffin was being removed. 'It's important to relate to real life and those who are serious about faith and the lives of their parishioners would speak out. 'We are all citizens entitled to a point of view and I am not political. It is always theologically motivated,' he said. By the time Mrs Luff was ordained, the Haldon Team Ministry, comprising Teignmouth, Bishopsteignton, Ideford, Luton and Ashcombe, had been established for four years. The reverends Luff have worked alongside each other in the ministry along with Rev Stephen West. Mr Luff's role while in Teignmouth has changed three times, and is a signal of changes in church life. The two parish churches of St Michael's and St James' were brought together under his care, a move that he feels has been successful. 'When we first arrived, though both are C of E, there was a difference in infrastructure and people would go to one and not enjoy the other. But we have been successful here in bringing unity, while still maintaining traditions,' he said. 'And congregation figures are falling nationally.' Mrs Luff said: 'There has not been a change in numbers, but we do have fewer services. Mr Luff said: 'We have seen no more a decline than the likes of operatic societies, organisations or group committees. 'It is the socio-economic circumstances in which we live. We are much more mobile these days, but saying that, we had 220 people come to church last Sunday, so it is not on its last legs,' he said. Indeed, the reaches of the Luffs' work goes beyond the church walls, and that is strengthened by the level of continuity for parish vicars in Teignmouth. 'I had no idea when we first arrived we would stay so long. 'But there has been a great deal of continuity at St Michael's. There have only been three vicar's at St Michael's since the second world war. The longevity has meant a deep connection with the community. 'It means that we meet people of all generations. So one week we will be crying with them at a funeral, but then rejoicing at a baptism,' added Mrs Luff. And all faiths in Teignmouth enjoy a bond. 'Ecumenically, we all get on exceedingly well and always have done. We have weekly lunches and enjoy mutual support,' said Mr Luff. But new beginnings are ahead for the couple and for the Haldon Ministry. They are hopeful that a new team rector will bring new ideas for the ministry. 'It is about renewal and starting over again,' said Mr Luff. But the pair admit it will be strange to think of Teignmouth continuing without them. 'Change is always painful, for us and our parishioners, but that is what life is all about.'
