Father Geoff Knox and his wife Jean retire at the end of November after 9 years at the Parish Church of St.Thomas. They moved to Somercotes on 1st August, 2000, from Long Eaton.

Jean and Father Geoff left and centre back, Christmas 2008
Fr. Geoff and Jean still remember so well the enormous welcome they were given by the parishioners, everyone being so eager to help them settle in to the Church and the Vicarage. A number of changes have been made during their time here. The flower vestry was turned into a kitchen, and last year the floor of the church was sanded and re-sealed, and new chairs installed. The parish lunches on the last Friday of the month were begun in 2001. They said that Somercotes had been a wonderful place to live and work and they would miss it and everyone here dreadfully. Whilst it would be a wrench to leave they were, however, looking forward to moving to Cornwall, which is where Fr. Geoff originates from and has family. Jean also has family there. Fr. Geoff said he was hoping to obtain permission to officiate from the Bishop of Truro so that he could help out in the Deanery or wherever he is needed, in order to keep his hand in.We asked Granville Stone, Churchwarden, for his comments on the retirement of Father Geoff and Jean, and he told us: Time does fly! I can't believe its over nine years since Geoff Knox was interviewed for the post of Parish Priest in Somercotes. We had no doubt he was the man for us. Fr. Geoff brought with him his lovely wife, Jean, who has also worked so hard for the church. Yes, we got two for the price of one! Fr. Geoff has kept alive the traditions of our church, including the celebrating of Holy Communion on six days each week, and our congregation has remained stable. His friendly manner has enabled him to mix with people from all walks of life. Granville and fellow Church Warden Rachel Stone said Fr. Geoff and Jean will be missed by all the church members.