News Stories
Saints of Derbyshire, the book by Revd Simon Taylor and Josephine Simister, is now available to buy.
The illustrated book tells the stories of more than 50 saints associated with Derbyshire and is published by Derby Cathedral, which will also receive all profits from the sale of the book.
At the launch of the book, Simon, formerly area dean of Derby City Deanery, revealed that the idea for the book came during a family trip to Repton.
He said: "We were looking around the parish church there and there are loads of saints associated with Repton, with this magnificent crypt for St Wystan and nowhere could I find enough information about the saints.
"And after that I just started collecting the stories, not just for Repton but for the whole of the county.
"It tells the stories of the saints. I remember some years ago reading a dictionary of saints that said 'the stories of this saint are legendary' and feeling that wasn't very helpful, I wanted to know what the stories were, however legendary and far-fetched because, they're fun and I wanted to know what made the story come alive.
"So we've kept in the monsters and the far-fetched and the supernatural because that's the funa and the joy of these stories.
"It's also a book that we hope people will take out into Derbyshire and go and visit some places and find the saints associated with places.
"And, yes, there are prayers and it is a book that, through the lives of the saints, will connect folk to God - the god that the saints in their very different ways were all trying to find."
The book is also laden with beautiful lino-print illustrations, lovingly created by Jo Simister, deanery administrator for Derby City Deanery.
Jo said: "I think the most lovely thing about this project was that it got me back in touch with my art teaching roots from 40 years ago.
"Just doing the refresher workshop to produce the Repton crypt print was such a joy that I really couldn't resist thinking that maybe I could do one lino print for each of the chapters - not realsiing that there would be 20 chapters!
"I loved doing the research for the different subjects, so for example when it came to doing the design for the hermit who lived in Deepdale and Cratcliffe, I decided to see what the local museums had in the way of cooking pots from that era and I also had a Tudor herbal at home and I scanned some of the photos from that - simple, primitive pictures of daisies and clover that I used in the design.
"And then there were others that were really quite obvious."
Among the church artefacts that are included are the Wirksworth Stone (the lid of a stone vault found buried in Wirksworth Church in 1820), which was used for one of the chapters, and the Saxon font at Ilam, used for the story about Bertrand and the monsters eating his wife!
An exhibition of Jo's lino prints is in Derby Cathedral (until 20 December 2021) and the book, priced £12.50 (plus 4.50 p&p if required) can be ordered by emailing office@derbycathedral.org
As we enter Advent, we look for the coming of Christ and of his kingdom, and the hope that gives us.
Between 29 November 2021 and 23 December 2021, Bishops Libby and Malcolm invite you to join them each week on zoom for 45 minutes of prayer and reflection together, based upon seasonal Bible passages.
Advent Hope is open to all and will be held on Monday morning from 7:30-8:15am and repeated on Thursday evening from 7:30-8:15 pm.
Both sessions will be on Zoom.
Do pass this invitation on.
Please email reply@bishopofderby.org for the access link.
Bishop Malcolm writes:
In Covid times we have had to learn to be fleet of foot, and ready to change plans at the drop of a hat.
Those of you who attended the clergy conference back in September will remember that Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy was unable to join us on the Wednesday as he had succumbed to Covid.
I am now pleased to say Lusa has fully recovered, and that he has agreed to give us an Advent address, on Zoom, on Monday, 6 December from 7 pm to 7.45pm, followed by a discussion in breakout groups, a Q&A session with Lusa - leading up to Night Prayer.
This is now opento anyone in the diocese, lay and ordained, but please do book in via this link.
Lusa will be speaking to the title, ‘Threads of hope’, with an Advent theme.
The Revd. Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy is BAME Mission and Ministry Enabler for the Diocese of Leicester.
He recently served on the Archbishops’ Anti Racism Task Force, which produced the report, ‘From Lament to Action’.
He is also a Trustee of Initiatives of Change, a global organisation working to inspire, equip and connect people to play their part in building a better society.
I realise this is rather short notice for such a significant talk, but it is offered in the hope that it may be an encouragement and inspiration during the Advent season.
Please book in right away if you possibly can.
Janice and Sarah, who were involved in this venture in Hathersage, write:
Hathersage held its first Repair Cafe on a Saturday morning which was very well received and well supported.
From the initial trepidation of ‘will anyone come’, we moved to an excited buzz with customers arriving at 9.45am even though we didn’t open until 10am!
Our experts were kept busy throughout the morning as the attached photos show, and tackled a range of requests which they met with skill, expertise and good humour.
A steady request for bacon butties kept Paul and Lucy busy in the kitchen, although they still managed to pop out from time to time to socialise.
Not everyone needed the assistance of our experts and it was lovely to see friends who had popped in for a coffee and a natter, ably overseen by Charlotte, our curate and chief natterer!
Our thanks to those who gave their time and talents so willingly and to all those who came along, with or without an item needing repair.
We hope to repeat the Repair Cafe in the new year and we will publicise it when details have been finalised.
A reflection by Revd Ellie Launders-Brown
As a Christian and a veteran of the Royal Navy, Remembrance Sunday is always an important part of the calendar and will always hold a special place in my heart.
I have spent Remembrance Sunday, at sea, on land in both the UK and abroad, during conflict and at peace.
To stand alongside my serving comrades in remembrance of the sacrifice of all who gave their lives in the service of their country is quite a poignant moment and never fails to stir up many emotions.
As there are very few veterans remaining of the two world wars, it always felt important to me that all people of every nationality should stand together as a living memorial to the fallen in all conflicts.
Hearing the guns fall silent as a mark of respect, gives an insight into how that silence must have felt on 11/11/18, it is quite a deafening and spine-tingling silence to behold.
As I begin my ordained ministry, I feel that this living memorial is still important, but also that our act of remembrance should be a journey.
Yes, we should still look back and remember the sacrifice of others for a freedom that we are fortunate enough to enjoy today, but we should also learn from the past as we look to the present, and how our fellow human beings are still suffering oppression, discrimination, and abuse.
That living memorial we make on Remembrance Sunday is futile if we still allow the mistreatment and injustice that is around today.
I am always drawn at this time of Remembrance to the Words of Micah: ‘Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore; but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees and no one shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.’ (Micah 4:3-4).
My prayer as we enter the season of Remembrance is that if we can come together and unite with our fellow human beings, regardless of race, nationality, gender, sexuality, ability or disability, can we then look with hope towards a new future where we can accept and embrace our differences and live together as children of God in peace.
Ellie Launders-Brown was ordained a deacon in 2021 and is currently serving her curacy with East Scardsale Team Ministry.
She is also a veteran of the Royal Navy.
Natasha's Law
On 1 October 2021, Natasha’s Law came into effect for all foods produced and prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) with food labelling changing in the UK.
This new labelling will provide potentially life-saving allergen information on packaging for consumers.
A full list of ingredients will be required by law to be stated on the label, along with the name of the food.
Parishes are subject to the general law in relation to the sale and supply of food and drink.
This includes complying with the Food Information (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2019 which add Natasha’s Law to the Food Information Regulations 2014.
Regulations definition
The Regulations apply to a “food business” which is defined as any undertaking, whether for profit or not and whether public or private, carrying out any of the activities related to any stage of production, processing and distribution of food.
The regulations define a “food business operator” as the natural or legal persons responsible for ensuring that the requirements of food law are met within the food business under their control.
As a result of these definitions, PCCs fall within the scope of food business and food business operators.
Private individuals who occasionally sell or offer food at church events are exempt from the allergen information requirements.
However, if an individual is providing food as a food business operator or provides products for consumption to one, such as a church café or regular lunch club, then the necessary allergen information should be provided.
Natasha's Law has extended the 2014 Regulations.
The 2014 Regulations originally applied to foods that are not pre-packed, and Natasha’s Law has extended the Regulations to pre-packed for direct sale to a final consumer.
Where food is not pre-packed, the information must stuill be provided, though in this case it can be provided verbally and either a label attached to the food or notice, ticket or label must be readily visible stating that details of the substance or product can be obtained by asking a member of staff.
Pre-packed food will need to clearly display on the packaging the name of the food, full ingredients list, within allergenic ingredients emphasised.
Learn More
>> What is Natasha's Law?
>> Natasha Allergy Research Foundation
Parishes are being urged to mark the start of the COP26 climate change summit by ringing bells.
The plan is for church and cathedral bells to be peeled for 30 minutes at 6pm on Saturday, 30 October.
The idea of the mass bellringing was devised by Edward Gildea, the adventurer and environmentalist, who is a member of St Mary's church in Saffron Walden, Essex, as a vivid warning of the danger from the climate emergency.
He said: “Church bells would normally be used to call people to church on Sundays.
"But this time, they'll be ringing out a warning - a 'code-red for humanity' warning.'
Mr Gildea created a Facebook page to support the idea.
A post from him reads: "Wouldn't it be great if every church, chapel and cathedral bell around the world were to ring out its warning to humanity on the eve of COP 26?
"This website is for people of all faiths and none, who share a common concern for the future of humanity."
Bell ringers across the country are supporting the initiative.
Simon Linford, President of the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers, commented: “Bellringers understand how important the bells they ring are not only to the church but also to the local community.
“The sound of bells was missed during lockdown, and it is now being welcomed back as part of the nation’s soundscape.
“Many bellringers are planning to join in with “ring out for the climate’, lending their powerful voice in support of efforts to halt climate change.”
Where churches participate, a notification on social media or in newsletters can help make the local community aware of the significance of the bells.
Vigils
Meanwhile, Derby Cathedral, and other churches within the Diocese of Derby, are holding vigils.
The Dean of Derby, the Very Revd Dr Peter Robinson, will lead a prayer vigil at the cathedral on Saturday, 30th October, at 11am.
Dean Peter said: "This is such a pivotal moment. Carbon emissions and temperatures continue to rise, the biodiversity of the planet is decreasing and the very future of the human race is threatened.
"Now is the time to act and the faith communities across the globe have the capacity to act together and influence the outcome of COP26 for the better.
"Not only will be praying for radical change in policies and practice by all nations but we will be demonstrating our solidarity with the global poor who suffer disproportionately from the impact of global heating.
"Please do come and join us for this critical moment in history and let’s take action together!"
And Saint Michael's Kirk Langley will hold a vigil on Wednesday, 3 November at 7.30pm
Edward Gildea's video message to all churches in the country
Bishop Libby will be visiting all the deaneries during October and November to meet people in the parishes, spending time in both private and open conversations about parish life and our vision for the future.
This is the first time since the start of the pandemic that Bishop Libby has been able to have face-to-face meetings on this scale and it is a great opportunity to hear from the bishop on our vision for the life of the Church, with an time for questions and to give feedback.
(Events marked * are open to all)
(Events marked * are open to all)
People from all over the Diocese of Derby have been presented with their Bishop's Badge in celebration of their lay ministry.
Bishop Libby presented the badges at a special service in Derby Cathedral, and online to those joining the service from home.
The badges recognise the distinguished service and dedication of many individuals contributing to the mission of the Church.
A number of awards were made to celebrate mission and innovation whilst others were presented to recognise long service.
>> See photos from the Bishop's Badge service [on Flickr]
Awards for Mission and Innovation
Paul Black - St John the Baptist, Tideswell
Nigel Brown - St. Mary's, Marston on Dove
Angela Cope - St Thomas, Somercotes
Mark Depiedge - St Thomas, Brampton
Sarah Johnson - The BMO of The Journey Community, St Osmund's Parish, Wilmortion
Sara Krohl - St Werburgh, Spondon
Lorraine and Simon Marrow - Buxton Team Parish
Janet Micklewright - All Saints' with St Mary's Sawley (and long service)
Katrina Pargma - The BMO of The Journey Community. St Osmund's Parish, Wilmorton
Nick Roberts - St Peter and St Paul, Old Brampton
Tim Scott - The BMO for The Journey Community in St Osmand's parish, Wilmorton
Leon Shufflebotham - St George the Martyr, New Mills
Susan Silcock - Kirk Langley, Mackworth and Mugginton
Christine Tilbrook - St Giles, Killamarsh
Julie Ann Tilbrook - St Giles, Killamarsh
Awards for Long Service
Meleta Barlow - Charlesworth with Gamesly
Pauline Boon - Buxton Team Parish
Marylyn Bryan - St James Codnor
Sylvia Bunting - St Mary's Cromford
Barbara Buxton - St Osmund Wilmorton
Barrie Clayton - Charlesworth with Gamesley
Maggie Davis - Buxton Team Parish
David Gardner - Wallbrook Epiphany
Lawrence Green - St. Mary in the United Benefice of Calow with Sutton-cum-Duckmanton
Mille Guthrie - St Thomas, Brampton
Sheila Harper - Oakwood
Christine Hill - St Michael and All Angels Brimington
Paul Hunter - Holy Trinity, Matlock Bath
Ena Johnson - Newbold with Dunston
Vicks Keane - St Helen's, Etwall
Robin Lacey - St Michael and All Angels
Evelyn Lowe - Newbold with Durston
Gay Lowe - St John the Baptist, Croxall
Peter Lowe - St John the Baptist, Croxall
Janet Mowman - St Osmund, Wilmorton
Lesley Mundy - St Andrew's, Hadfield
Beryl Murdy - Marlpool
Diane Peet - Stanton In Peak
Douglas Poole - Derby Cathedral
John Roberts - Hadfield
Peter Robinson - St John the Baptist, Tideswell
Helen Smart - St Mark's, Winshill
Hilary Smith - All Saints, Hatton
Arthur Stamper - Clowne
Barbara Stringer - St Peter and St Paul, Old Brampton
Marion Tauibut - St Alkmund's, Duffield
Paul Taylor - Buxton Team Parish
Ruth Taylor - St Margaret's, Tideswell
Josephine Vallence - St Clement's, Horsley
Calow with Sutton-cum-Duckmanton
Bishop Libby is pleased to announce that Ian Blaney of Lee Bolton Monier-Williams has been appointed the next Registrar of the Diocese of Derby and her Legal Secretary, following the retirement of Nadine Waldron.
The appointment will take effect on 1 October 2021 and all Registry enquiries should be directed to the new registrar from that date.
He is to be supported by three deputy registrars, Howard Dellar, Susan Newell and Ed Henderson who each have their own specialist expertise.
Susan Black is to be the principal registry clerk, supported by Kevin Diamond.
Ian Blaney is a solicitor with over 15 years’ experience in ecclesiastical law. He has written various publications on church, burial and marriage law and has a degree in canon law.
He lives in north London where he is a member of his parish church, on the PCC, and is Vice-Chair of Governors of the church school.
He hails from Cheshire and Staffordshire where family members still live. He has served as Registrar of the Diocese of Lincoln for the last 4 years and will continue in that post.
His firm, Lee Bolton Monier-Williams is known for its expertise in ecclesiastical, charity and educational law.
Bishop Libby said: “I am delighted that Ian is joining us as our new registrar. His knowledge, experience and expertise will be an valuable addition to our diocesan team. I am inspired by his commitment to live out his faith by offering the best practice of law in the service of the Church for the sake of the Kingdom. I am looking forward to working together so that we can be good news for all in transforming lives through growing the church and building community.”
Ian Blaney said: “I would like to thank the Bishop and her team for appointing me to this important role. I look forward to exploring the parishes of the Diocese and getting to know the clergy, lay officers and volunteers who faithfully make their churches a place of welcome and sanctuary. I am grateful to my predecessor Nadine Waldron for her steadfast work over many years for and making the handover as smooth as possible. My office is based in London, where the Registry is easily contactable by phone, email, ‘snail mail’ and video. Although the last year has highlighted the convenience and usefulness of online meetings, I and my team value forming relationships and maintaining a presence through personal visits, and we look forward to being with you.”
The contact details for the new Registrar are:
Derby Diocesan Registry
1 The Sanctuary
Westminster
London
SW1P 3JT
Reception Telephone: 020 7222 5381
Direct Telephone (Registry Clerk): 0207 960 7152
Email: derby.registry@1thesanctuary.com
A registry website is in the process of being built and information about this will be published in due course.
The Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Revd Rachel Treweek, has created a collaborative team to support her in her role as Anglican Bishop for HM Prisons in England and Wales.
Bishop Rachel is tasked with supporting the network of 300 Anglican Prison Chaplains who share in the front-line care of prisoners, as well as developing relationships and being involved with people and issues across the breadth of the Criminal Justice System.
This includes probation and community services, as well as many different charities and organisations.
In all of this, Bishop Rachel seeks to use her role as a Lords Spiritual in the House of Lords, not least working for a change to systems and sentencing for the most vulnerable people in our communities, whilst not losing sight of appropriate justice for victims of crime.
Bishop Libby will support Bishop Rachel in work with young offenders, which will be a natural extension to her work as vice-chair of The Children's Society.
Bishop Libby said, “I am delighted to be joining this team and look forward to working with Bishop Rachel and Bishop Michael with other partners working across the criminal justice system. I have a particular passion to see restorative justice leading to transformed lives with meaningful integration and contribution to community. Sharing with this team complements the work I currently engage with through The Children’s Society in our shared commitment to the most vulnerable, and at risk, children and young people in our land.”
The Rt Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave, Bishop of Lichfield, will support with the male estate and bring his experience of being in a diocese with a number of prisons.
The Team will work closely with the Revd Helen Dearnley, HMPPS Anglican Chaplaincy Advisor.
Bishop Rachel said, “I will be involved across the breadth of the prison estate, but I am hoping that this collaborative approach will enable more prisons to be visited and will provide deeper insight and shared learning. We will of course be working in close liaison with bishops in every diocese where prisons are situated and who remain responsible for the licensing and everyday pastoral care of their Anglican prison chaplains.”
The new episcopal prison team marked the beginning of their work together on Thursday 29 July 2021 with a joint visit to the Diocese of Lichfield where each visited separate prisons.
Bishop Rachel visited HMP Featherstone and HMP Oakwood; Bishop Michael visited HMP Brinsford and Bishop Libby visited HMP Werrington.
Over the last few years Bishop Rachel was Bishop for Women’s Prisons and has undertaken a huge amount in campaigning for prison reform and community rehabilitation for women in the criminal justice system, or at risk of offending. She now wants to develop that collaborative way of working.
This article was adapted from original text by Sarah Lacey, parisioner at St Giles, Hartington.
St Giles’ Church sits dreaming quietly in the beautiful village of Hartington, and has done so since around 1250 AD.
This is not to say that it hasn't had some lively moments, I'm sure it has, but none in my time of some 20 years as a resident.
How we have prayed for a change to come, for the Holy Spirit to take notice and 'do' something, anything even, to create life, energy and purpose for God within and without this slumbering church.
Guess what? Something has gradually been changing over the last few years, new shoots have sprouted in the form of new church goers moving into the village.
In each we see gifts put to willing use in the service of God, through the Spirit - it's exciting!
There is a problem, (isn't there always?!), we don't have a vicar, we are in 'vacancy', and have been for some time.
In fact, for me, it is the fourth time of being without the person in a dog collar, the visible presence of God's servant within the community that everyone wants to see and take tea with.
Does it matter? Yes, of course it does, but you can, we have learnt over the years, manage very well if you have someone to share the load with, and this time there is a team of ‘someones’ who are willing and able to step up and become a committed group of lay people, prepared to help and enable us to grow.
As Paul said in his letter to the Romans (12:6): ‘We have gifts that differ according to the grace given us.’
The team committed to offering a regular time of worship on a Sunday.
Between us we deliver two family type services every month, and we plague other vicars and retired clergy (PTOs) to undertake the other two Sundays, one to offer Holy Communion, which recharges our spiritual batteries beautifully, the other to bring some variety and friendly support, for which we say a big ‘thank you’ to the priest concerned.
Mission Action Plan
We dug out our 2011 version of MAP (Mission Action Plan) and updated it with realistic challenges and plans, having first canvassed as many people as possible for their opinions, which we listened to.
We established a rota, we bulked up our PCC with some new blood and we established a pastoral team.
The pandemic has shown on numerous occasions how important regular outreach is, especially in our rural farming community.
There is a great deal of isolation and loneliness, masked by pride and the words, 'I don't want to be a nuisance / burden / trouble to anyone,' if we do but take time to be that good neighbour Jesus calls us to be and take notice.
We held a thoroughly enjoyable Rogation service last month, 40 people joined us on our 'worship walkabout’, and the farmer, at whose farm we stopped to read scripture and pray, is still talking about it... in a good way!
We are creating a 'Walk of Words' around our church yard, an idea first developed at St Oswald’s, Ashbourne, which we are gratefully adapting as something creative for the many visitors that come to the village, to read and perhaps encounter Christ, as they do so, alongside the many wildflowers and far-reaching views that our church yard offers them.
A pilgrim church
St Giles is a pilgrim church, on the pilgrim way from Ilam to Eyam, many people pre-pandemic, visited the church to get their little books stamped, we always welcomed them and look forward to doing so again soon.
It seems wrong not to have the door to God’s house open every day, as was our custom, but that is how it is just now. Strange times!
However, we are not wasting time, there is much to do, a new heating system for one thing, followed by a kitchen (we are known for our cakes after services with a cup of 'proper' coffee and lots of chat, which we miss very much!) and loos must happen, they really must.
The essential people - and their skills!
This leads neatly on to the essential people we are blessed to have, those who are good with money, our treasurer is one, every PCC needs one of those!
Other skills recently discovered include, skilled engineers, singers, readers, fundraisers, trained safeguarding officer, artists and multi-taskers and planners - one of whom supplied this quote when asked where they see God at work: 'Right here - encouraging and building up our Church family, both in numbers and faith, so that we can serve the community that we are in, being both light and salt.'
Another: 'By showing God’s love in action we are building new confidence in God.'
We want to be good listeners, who are rooted within the community, visible and active, carrying out jobs for God, with love, humour and compassion.
None of these require a vicar, but it will be good to have one somewhere, sometime soon, please God, to teach, nourish, support and lead us, someone to share things with, someone we can grow with, oh, and someone who can take the weddings and baptisms, because much as we would like to, we are not allowed to!
We have learnt to think outside our boxes, to listen to others, to try to create a sense of belonging within our growing congregation, to believe that if God wants us to do something He will show us how, and He does, thank you Lord.
Our story continues...
Learn more about St Giles Hartington at: www.hartingtonchurch.org
Bishop Libby has ordained 15 new deacons and eight new priests in the Petertide ordination services at Derby Cathedral.
>> See photos from the ordinations of deacons (on Flickr)
>> See photos from the ordinations of priests (on Flickr)
Those ordained deacon were:
Becky Reeve (Walbrook Epiphany Team Ministry)
Bex Allpress (Swadlincote & Hartshorne, Newhall & Gresley)
Charlotte Wallington (Hathersage with Bamford & Derwent, & Grindleford)
Chris Nowak (Whitfield)
Ellie Launders-Brown (East Scarsdale Team Ministry)
Gill Ball (Newbold)
James Lee (Stanton-by-Dale with Dale Abbey & Risle
Jeff Golding (St Werburgh BMO, Derby)
John Ferguson (St Barnabas, Derby)
Julius Anozie (St Mary, Ilkeston & St John Ilkeston)
Melanie Hartley (Baslow & Eyam)
Mike Fitzsimmons (Barlborough & Clowne)
Nick Parish (St Peter & Christ Church with Holy Trinity, Derby)
Rachel Burdett (Christ Church, Belper with Turnditch)
Sam Dennis (All Saints, Sawley)
and those ordained priest were:
Alan Winfield (Melbourne, Ticknall, Smisby & Stanton-by-Bridge)
Catrin Hubbard (Buxton with Burbage & King Sterndale Team Ministry)
Kate Smedley (St Werburgh, Spondon)
Malcolm Pyatt (Brimington)
Nicola McNally (Tideswell)
Rachael Brooks (Littleover and Blagreaves)
Sandra Till (Alvaston)
Sharon Murphy (Derwent Oak BMO)
Canon Carolyn Lewis has been invited by the Rt Rev Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, after consultation and agreement, to lead the work of Derby Diocesan Board of Education for an interim period, initially for a year from September 2021.
Carolyn is currently Diocesan Director of Education in Leicester, and will undertake this new role in addition to her role in the Diocese of Leicester. She will become one of the first Executive Diocesan Directors of Education (DDE) in the Church of England, and this is a pioneering step for both Derby and Leicester’s education teams.
Through this partnership working both dioceses will be exploring how to be innovative in supporting their respective Church school families and in placing schools at the heart of the Church’s mission. This is an exciting opportunity for both dioceses and shows commitment to our values of generosity and creativity.
Bishop Libby said: “ Our Church Schools are examples of the good news of the Kingdom of God: their work and life are at the heart of the Diocese of Derby. I am delighted that Carolyn has agreed to take on leading our Board of Education through this next season, sharing her experience of leadership and passion for Christ across both the Diocese of Derby and the Diocese of Leicester.”
Having grown up in Warwickshire, Carolyn began her teaching there before moving to schools in Leicestershire. Carolyn has been the DDE in the Diocese of Leicester since 2014. Before that she was a headteacher in a Voluntary Aided primary school supporting a rapid journey of improvement there.
During this time, her leadership extended to executive headship, working with a Teaching School and inspecting for Ofsted and SIAMS.
Carolyn is supported by her family; husband Seth, two boys and Rosie the cockapoo. Having been to university in Wales and being married to a Welshman, life is infused with a Celtic flavour – namely Welsh rugby, RS Thomas, singing and holidays in Wales!”
On hearing of her new role, Carolyn Lewis commented: “I cherish my vocation as Director of Education and feel extraordinarily privileged to be supporting the work of Church schools across both the Diocese of Derby and the Diocese of Leicester.
"When I was a headteacher at a Church school, after some years I was asked to be an executive headteacher and lead another school. As I took on that particular professional challenge, I wondered what might be lost. Yet, I was surprised by the fact that over time, both schools gained so much from this way of working. And so, I am excited at the possibilities for what this partnership may bring.
“For Church schools to be distinctively Christ-like is a challenging task for school leaders, governors and clergy. Please pray for me and the DBE teams as we work to encourage and inspire our schools – now across both Derby and Leicester Dioceses - to meet that challenge with courage and conviction.”
For the first time, you can now see the inside of All Saints' Church in Mackworth, which was devatated by fire in December.
The images show the scale of the destruction caused by the heat and flames of the blaze.
Whilst the tower was largely unaffected, the nave and chancel were almost completely destroyed, including the roof.
However, a number of artefacts survived and some of these have already been sent to experts for restoration.
The work has also revealed a crypt that was not known about.
Revd Jacqueline Stober, vicar of All Saints, said: "Although the destruction is devastating, we also have to be thankful for what is left.
"The work that has been carried out to clear the debris and salvage those artefacts that survived is remarkable.
"Some of the silver, the chalices that we used to use in Holy Communion, have survived.
"The archaeologists have found the four-foot silver cross we used to have on the altar in the chancel and the wedding registers have also been found (they were in a safe) and although they are a charred mess and didn't survive very well, they have been sent to a specialist who will be able to recreate them.
"It's great to see that there is still some of this building that we can do something with - and it will still be a place of worship in another thousand years."
The images of the church's interior follow months of clearance work and the stabilisation of the site - phase one of the project.
The next phase will be to make the building watertight and the PCC will be seeing presentations from contractors in the coming weeks.
Most of the funding for the work carried out so far has been provided by the church's insurers, Ecclesiastical.
Claims Director Jeremy Trott said: "The money is there to rebuild the church, but it's obviously up to the PCC to decide what they do and don't want to do."
It is hoped all the work might be complete by Christmas 2023.
Bishop Libby is supporting Christian Aid Week by taking part in the 300,000 steps for May challenge - and invites you to join her!
The idea is simple: take 300,000 sponsored steps across the month of May to raise vital funds for communities battling the worst of this climate crisis.
The challenge clocks in at just under 10,000 steps a day and you can do the challenge alone or with a team, supporting each other to reach your goal.
Whether you decide to walk, jump, skip, hop or run your steps is completely up to you!
Bishop L:ibby said: “Together with my family, I’m supporting 300,000 steps for May challenge for Christian Aid.
"Through this event, we get to enjoy the benefits of better physical and mental health and enjoy our local communities and countryside but, most of all, we hope to raise awareness and encourage people to contribute to Christian Aid’s fundraiser to raise vital funds for communities battling the worst of this climate crisis.”
For more information, see the Christian Aid website.
