A VILLAGE priest who loved gardening has been fondly remembered with the dedication of a wooden bench given by the garden centre she frequented.

David Wheelhouse, former owner of Frensham Garden Centre (now Squire’s), presented the RHS Chelsea acacia-wood bench to All Saints’ Church, Tilford, in memory of Canon Heather Humphrey, its parish priest.

Reverend John Morris, vicar of The Bourne and Tilford, dedicated the bench following a united service on All Saints’ Day - last Sunday - bringing together the congregations of all the churches in the United Benefice of The Bourne and Tilford.

He expressed warm appreciation of the generous gift from Frensham Garden Centre which Heather had visited so many times.

Blessing the memorial bench, Rev Morris said: “We give thanks for Heather as we remember her smile, her love, her joy and her faith..

After the dedication, Heather’s son and daughter-in-law, Stuart and Nigora Humphrey, who were married at All Saints in June, each laid bunches of flowers on the seat in her memory.

The handsome bench, bearing a memorial plaque, stands at the top of the churchyard overlooking the church where Heather served as priest from 2014 until her death in February this year, aged 71.

The plaque on the bench reads: “In loving memory of Canon Heather

Humphrey, Priest-in-charge at All Saints Church 2014-2018.”