Sunday saw Romsey Abbey overflowing with well-wishers gathering to say farewell to Canon Neil Crawford-Jones, as he retired after almost 23 years as vicar.

Neil's final communion service at 10am marked the liturgy of the foundation of the Abbey.

This year is the 1100th anniversary of the founding of Romsey Abbey by King Edward the Elder in 907.

In his sermon, the vicar commented on what a privilege it had been to work in such an historic and beautiful building and his 23 years of service were just a short chapter in the building's long life.

This service was followed by a buffet lunch in the Abbey for 500 members of the congregations from both the Abbey and St Swithun's, Crampmoor.

During lunch, photographic memories of the vicar's time in the parish were projected on screens.

Churchwardens Pam Leech and David Johnson presented Neil with gifts from the congregations and other well-wishers.

His chosen gift of a very beautiful Turkish carpet was displayed.

In their speech, Pam and David looked at three facets of the vicar - Neil the man, Neil the priest and Neil the custodian of the Abbey.

The vicar, who is moving to Herefordshire, thanked everybody for all the support he has received throughout his ministry in Romsey.

Following the lunch, choral evensong was held at 4pm.

This was attended by invited guests, parishioners and many of Neil's past assistant curates whom he had trained during his time in Romsey.

In the course of the service, the vicar handed back his keys to the churchwardens and removed his cope and handed this to the current assistant curate.

Tea was held in the South Garth after the service and the food was provided through the generosity of Waitrose (Romsey) and the Romsey Abbey Branch of the Mothers' Union.

With the retirement of Neil, Romsey has lost a great parish priest but to echo the words he chose for his retirement cake: "one more step along the world I go from the old things to the new, I'll be travelling along with you"

We all wish Neil a long and happy retirement.