A VICAR who has served his parishioners for more than 30 years has been honoured at Exeter Cathedral.

The Rev Graham Cotter was appointed as a Prebendary of Exeter Cathedral last week — and then saw 17 people confirmed at a service in his church on Sunday to end a busy week for the parish of Buckland Monachorum, Milton Coombe and Crapstone.

Mr Cotter has been vicar of St Andrew’s Church, Buckland Monachorum for 32 years.

His appointment as a prebendary means he is now a member of the College of Canons with his own stall. Part of his remit will be to provide advice when consulted and to formally approve the appointment of a new Diocesan Bishop.

The confirmations at the weekend were officiated by the Bishop of Exeter, the Right Rev Robert Atwell. The occasion was celebrated afterwards with a barbecue and pool party.

Among Mr Cotter’s innovations is the Messy Church in which about 80 people enjoy craft and dinner on the first Tuesday of every month.

The parish supports a family from the congregation which has gone to fly medical care and supplies to transform the lives of the world’s most isolated people in need. This September the parish is also committed to be a three-year placement for the training of ordinand Reuben Crossley.  

Reuben has taken 13 young people, eight of whom were among those confirmed, on a youth Emmaus course, a 10-session exploration of life and Christianity.