Tara-a-bit! Bishop of Dudley bids fond farewell with service

Slow-cooked grey paes and bacon and the warmth of Black Country people were among the departing Bishop of Dudley’s top 10 list of things he will miss about the place.

The Right Reverend Graham Usher at Black Country Living Museum

He also included the direct honesty of parishioners, walking through Netherton Tunnel, and the Clent hills in bluebell season, adding he would not miss faggots and cold black pudding.

The Rt Revd Graham Usher was speaking at a farewell service at the Black Country Living Museum’s big top arena before leaving next week to become Bishop of Norwich.

WATCH: Highlights of the service

But as well as making people laugh, the Bishop also used his last sermon to urge friendships with neighbours, even those who seem different to us, enabling communities to better face difficulties together.

As part of his sermon based on the parable of the Good Samaritan, he also praised parishioners behind the Churches’ Housing Association of Dudley and District, which he chaired. The charity runs a women’s refuge, a food bank and provides homes for around 200 vulnerable people locally.

Worship was led by the band from Top Church in Dudley and after the service, a curry was provided by the Ahmadiyya Muslim community.

GALLERY: Bishop of Dudley bids farewell

The Right Reverend Graham Usher former Bishop of Dudley now Bishop of Norwich, speaking during a Service of Praise, Prayer and Thankgiving, at Black Country Living Museum, Dudley

The Right Reverend Graham Usher at the service

The Right Reverend Graham Usher former Bishop of Dudley now Bishop of Norwich, before a Service of Praise, Prayer and Thankgiving, at Black Country Living Museum, Dudley

The father of two, who is married to Rachel, a GP, was previously Rector of Hexham, in the Newcastle diocese, for 10 years.

He was ordained as the fifth Bishop of Dudley in March 2014 and has served as the Suffragan Bishop across the whole of the Diocese of Worcester.

Around 200 people filled the big top for Sunday’s service at which the 48-year-old cleric also referenced the football rivalry between Wolves and Baggies fans.

Samantha Setchell, diocesan communications officer, said it had been an emotional but joyous occasion.

Bishop Usher delighted his congregation by including a few Black Country terms he had picked up over his time in Dudley, telling them: “We’re not to pull a fizzog or have a cob on, don’t be a half-soaked bab or begin blarting, no more clarting about saying you’ll get on with it sometime” – leaving them with a “Tara-a-bit”.