Mid-Norfolk Christian retreat centre Letton Hall have recently announced the retirement of long-serving resident staff, Bill and Valerie Crudgington. Centre Manager Daniel Pritchard says they miss the hardworking couple.
When Bill and Val stepped in to help the trust over 11 years ago, they admit they anticipated helping out temporarily, for a short while, but the Lord had other ideas!
Instead, the hard working and dedicated couple have become known to many churches, youth ministries and schools throughout the region and further afield, for their loving service and generous welcome as Duty Managers. Many too have been blessed by Val’s delicious cooking!
Undoubtedly though, most of Bill and Val’s work (though greatly appreciated by all of the guests) was unseen. Val supervised and led the housekeeping team, taking care of the laundry and ordering cleaning supplies, bringing the highest standards to all she did and constantly striving to make the rooms clean comfortable and welcoming; Bill too was never idle, taking responsibility for regular checks and tests, setting up the premises for use by groups and often busy mending and improving things around the Hall and Stables, or working outdoors in the grounds. He would frequently be seen dressed in his favourite red overalls, paint-pot and brush in hand, heading off to decorate another door, wall or window!
Bill and Val lived out the text in Ephesians 6:7, serving wholeheartedly, as if they were serving the Lord – finding joy in serving Him by blessing His people.
The team, staff and volunteers, said farewell to them at a retirement party in late April, where past managers, together with Peter and Kay Carroll were also present to express their appreciation.
Bill and Val have been immensely supportive and kind to myself and Alison since we arrived as centre managers at Letton, helping us to settle into the rhythm of life here – we couldn’t have done this without them. They are an example to everyone; hard working, generous, good humoured and deeply committed. Their love for the Lord shines through all they do and they are already greatly missed, by all of us and by our guests.
All of the team at Letton Hall wish Bill and Val well in retirement knowing that they will keep busy in the Lord’s work, but hoping too that they will enjoy some much deserved rest and quality time with their family and grandchildren!
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