REV Ralph Martin, who came from up north to preach at Rushden Baptist Church, will be going down south to retire. Mr Martin and his wife, Lorraine, are looking forward to spending their more leisurely days in Dorset.
The couple, who live at The Manse, in Park Road, came to Rushden nearly 12 years ago after spending eight years in Glasgow. They have decided to move to Dorset because one of their daughters, Janet, lives in Poole.
Mr. Martin said: "We thought about going back to Scotland to retire but in the end we decided we would rather be near our family. Of course we will miss all the friends we have made in Rushden but we will stay in touch with them."
Although retirement will mean more time for his hobbies of gardening, reading and bowling Mr. Martin is determined to continue working with the community.
He said: "I am looking forward to a rest but I don't want to become idle. I hope to get involved with community work on a more basic level — perhaps through counselling people with problems."
Both he and his wife, a retired nurse, have been involved with various organisations in the town and have spent much time attending various events and lecturing at functions.
Mr Martin (65), who is president of Northamptonshire Baptist Association and chaplain of the Pytchley Branch of Toc H, will be retiring in July.
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