AHEAD of his final service next Sunday, popular Tilbury priest Father Tim Codling will be taking part in a specially arranged farewell event today (Saturday, 26 September) in the town.

As recently reported on Thurrock Nub News, Father Tim is about to retire and he will take his last service at St John the Baptist CoE church on Sunday, 4 October at 10am.

The response to the announcement of that final day has been overwhelming and many tributes have been paid to Father Tim and his wife Jenny for their near 30-year service to the local community.

The capacity of the church is likely to be overwhelmed next weekend so today's event has been set up to allow people to say a personal thank-you and farewell.

The event will be a special 'Tilbury Blessing' and will start from 4pm at the church on Dock Road. It is described as a 'drop in and go' event to ensure as many people as possible can attend.

Father Tim says he and Jenny have been 'overwhelmed' with the response from the Tilbury community and added that "nothing means more to him when people take the time to say thank you."

The Tilbury Forum has set up a fundraising page so people who wish to make a gift to Father Tim and Jenny can do so.

Forum chair Craig Austin says: "Through countless weddings, blessings, baptisms, funerals, Remembrance days and Sunday services, Father Tim has been Tilbury's constant, seeing us on our very best days and also our very worst.

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"The purpose of this fund is to provide our community (and those who have moved away) with an opportunity to say thank you and make a donation towards the next chapter for Tim and Jenny.

"Congratulations to Tim and Jenny your retirement and thank you for your service to our community."

Donations can be made via this link.