March 2025

27 March

The Revd Paul Hygate, Assistant Curate (Associate Priest) of the benefice of Aston-on-Trent, Elvaston, Weston-on-Trent and Shardlow, Barrow-upon-Trent with Twyford and Swarkestone, resigned on 23rd February 2025.

21 March

The Revd John Jacklin, ordained deacon and priest in 1972, who began his ministry in Santiago, Chile 1972-1975, was Curate of Roxeth Christ Church (London) 1975-1978, Vicar of Selston St Helen (Southwell and Nottingham) 1978-1995, who retired in 1995 and held the Bishop of Derby’s Permission to Officiate 1997-2018, died on 13 February 2025. His funeral will take place on Friday, 28h March with a cremation service at Trent Valley crematorium, Aston on Trent, Derbyshire at 11:30 am, followed by a service of celebration at All Saint’s Church, Ockbrook, Derbyshire at 12:30 pm.

The Bishop of Derby is delighted to announce that the Revd Robertson (Rob) Stewart, previously Curate in the Wick Benefice, Diocese of Bristol, has been appointed Assistant Curate (Associate Priest-SSM) of the benefice of Alvaston, Diocese of Derby. Rob will be licensed to his new post on Wednesday, 23 April 2025 at 7 pm at St Michael and All Angels Alvaston by the Bishop of Derby, subject to all legal and safeguarding requirements being fulfilled.

The Bishop of Derby is delighted to announce that the Revd Matthew (Matt) Taylor, Associate Rector of Sevenoaks St Nicholas, Diocese of Rochester, has been appointed Minister of Trinity Church Buxton, Diocese of Derby, subject to all legal and safeguarding requirements being fulfilled.

13 March

The Venerable Geoffrey (Geoff) Johnston - A Requiem Mass for The Ven. Johnston, who died on 9 March 2025, will take place on Tuesday, 1 April 2025 at 12 noon at Derby Cathedral.

13 March

The Venerable Geoffrey (Geoff) Johnston, Curate of Blakenall Heath Christ Church (Lichfield) 1968-1972, Curate of St Buryan (St Buriana), St Levan and Sennen (Truro) 1972- 1973, Curate of Blakenall Heath Christ Church (Lichfield) 1973-1975, Priest-in-Charge of Willenhall St Stephen 1975-1976, Curate of West Bromwich (All Saints) (St Mary Magdalene) 1976-1977, Lecturer West Bromwich College of Commerce and Technology 1978-1982, Industrial Chaplain (Worcester) 1982-1994, Team Vicar of Halesowen 1982- 1994, Non-Stipendiary Minister of Dudley St Francis 1994-1999, Priest-in-Charge of Dudley St Francis 1999-2008, Priest-in-Charge of Dudley St Edmund King and Martyr 2004-2008, Priest-in-Charge of the Anglican Church in Nerja and Almuñécar (Gibraltar in Europe) 2008- 2013, Area Dean of Gibraltar 2013, Interim Archdeacon of Gibraltar 2013-2019, Acting Archdeacon of Italy and Malta 2018-2019, who held Permission to Officiate in the Diocese of Derby 2015-2024 and in the Diocese of Gibraltar in Europe from 2019, died on Sunday 9th March. Details of the funeral will be announced once confirmed

6 March

The Revd Dr Michael (Mike) Firbank stood down as Area Dean of Mercia, Diocese of Derby, from 4th March 2025. He continues in post as Vicar of the benefice of Gresley.

The Revd Sam Mackie, Assistant Curate in the benefice of East Scarsdale (Team Ministry), Diocese of Derby, has been appointed LGBTQ+ Chaplain in the parish of St Alban Westcliff- on-Sea and St Mark Southend-on-Sea, Diocese of Chelmsford. Sam’s last day in post will be 18th March, with their new role starting on 19th March 2025.

The Revd Paul Mellars,Team Vicar of the benefice of Dronfield with Holmesfield (Team Ministry), Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Vicar to the united benefice of Darton with Staincross and Mapplewell, Diocese of Leeds.

The Revd Stephen (Steve) Short, Priest-in-Charge of the benefice of Foremark and Repton with Newton Solney, and the benefice of Willington, Diocese of Derby, has also been appointed Area Dean of Mercia. Steve started in post on 4th March 2025.

Belper Town welcome Revd Rachel Burdett as new chaplain

On 1 March 2025, Belper Town Football Club welcomed their new Chaplain Revd Rachel Burdett. Revd Rachel was joined by Bishop Libby who presented the man of the match.

It turns out that Bishop Libby and Revd Rachel were lucky mascots on the day as Belper Town FC won 2-0 v Garforth Town FC.

Photo L-R: Revd Rachel, Bishop Libby, Ian Woodward (BTFC Chairman) and Lee Attenborough (BTFC Manager)

Revd Rachel said: It was exciting to watch my first Nailers’ game, especially as they won! I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone and adding my support to the team. It is an important part of life in Belper and it is an honour to be the new chaplain.

Ian said we welcome Revd Rachel as our new Chaplain. We look forward to working with her as she continues to build on the existing relationship with Christ Church Belper and we look forward to welcoming her to support “The Nailers!”.

Photo Credit to Tim Harrison (BTFC)

Training Events

Churchwardens network gathering

Saturday, 21 March 2026
9.45 am – 1 pm
St Alkmund’s Church, Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby, DE21 1GU

Churchwardens from across the whole Diocese of Derby are warmly invited to a morning of worship, inspiration, and shared learning.

This first network gathering of 2026 will focus on discipleship and spirituality, both for you personally as Christians, in your role as Churchwardens, and to offer some inspiration and shared wisdom about how you might encourage everyday faith, working alongside lay and ordained licensed ministers.

There will also be an opportunity to give some input into the development of a Diocesan Handbook for Churchwardens.

>> Click here to book your place

Booking closes Thursday 12 March.

Future Events – Dates for Your Diary

Saturday, 16 May 2026
St Helen’s Church, Church Road, Darley Dale, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 2GG

Saturday, 26 September 2026
St Barnabas Centre, Danesmoor, Pilsley Rd, Danesmoor, Clay Cross, Chesterfield S45 9BU

The care and maintenance of church buildings

Video recording of meeting on 7 May 2025 for Churchwardens in the Diocese of Derby.

https://youtu.be/NNY5PW1JrjY

Church warden Training

Whether you are new to the role or have been serving for some time, the church warden training events aim to provide you with important tools, strategies, and support for you in your role.

It will also be a wonderful chance to connect with other church wardens, discuss challenges, and learn from one another.

Training dates
Saturday, 8 March 2025, 9.30am - 1.00pm, St Alkmunds Church, 40 Kedleston Road, Darley Abbey, Derby DE22 1GU
Saturday, 5 July 2025, 9:30am – 1:00pm, St Thomas, Chesterfield
Saturday, 27 September 2025, 9:30am – 1:00pm, St Barnabas Centre, Danesmoor
Saturday, 8 November 2025, 9:00am – 10:00am on Zoom, Question and Answer session with the Archdeacons.

Please click on the link below to book your place on the next event.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/churchwardens-morning-tickets-1152516851929?aff=oddtdtcreator
Date: Saturday, 8 March 2025
Time: 9.30 – 1pm
Location: St Alkmunds Church, 40 Kedleston Road, Darley Abbey, Derby DE22 1GU

The plan for the day will be as follows:
0930: Arrival and refreshments
1000: Event starts (Opening worship)
1020: Keynote
1045: Workshop 1
1130: Coffee / Tea break
1145: Workshop 2
1230: Plenary/Q&A
1300: Finish

There will be a choice of workshops and this time they will cover these topics:

Leading worship & intercessions in an emergency
Buildings for Mission & Environment
Wellbeing
‘Help! I’m the only one!’

Two weeks before the event a sign-up form for the workshops will be sent out, so you can choose which workshops you would like to attend.

Please ensure you have booked in good time to make sure you receive this email.

If you have any queries, please contact:

Derby City and South Derbyshire Archdeaconry - sue.hidderley-burton@derby.anglican.org

Derbyshire Peak and Dales Archdeaconry - emily.redmond@derby.anglican.org

South Derbyshire Archdeaconry - claire.collishaw@derby.anglican.org

February 2025

27 February

The Revd Janet Turville, who holds Permission to Officiate in the Diocese of Lincoln, has been appointed Vicar of the benefice of Wirksworth (Team Ministry), Diocese of Derby. Janet will be licensed on Monday, 31 March 2025 at 7 pm at St Mary's, Wirksworth by the Bishop of Derby assisted by the Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales, subject to all legal and safeguarding requirements being fulfilled.

14 February

The Revd Canon Anthony (Tony) Kaunhoven, Vicar of the benefice of Bakewell, Ashford in the Water with Sheldon and Rowsley, Diocese of Derby, has also been appointed Priest-in-Charge of the parish of Longstone St Giles, within the benefice of Longstone, Curbar and Stoney Middleton in the same diocese. Tony will be licensed to this post on Tuesday, 25 February 2025 at 7 pm by the Bishop of Repton assisted by the Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales.This post will run concurrently with Tony’s present post, thus his last day in post at Longstone St Giles will be 18th May, with his retirement taking effect from 19th May 2025.

The Revd Phil Mann has announced his resignation as Priest-in-Charge of the parish of Allenton and Shelton Lock, within the benefice of Pride Park, Wilmorton, Allenton and Shelton Lock, Diocese of Derby. Phil’s last day in post will be Saturday, 22 February 2025. Phil will continue as Pioneer Minister of Derby St Werburgh’s BMO and Priest-in-Charge of Mackworth St Francis.

The Revd Jeff Golding, Assistant Curate in the parish of Allenton and Shelton Lock, has been appointed Priest-in-Charge of the same parish. Jeff will be licensed on Sunday, 23 February 2025 at 3pm at St Edmund’s Allenton and Shelton Lock by the Bishop of Repton assisted by the Archdeacon of Derby City and South Derbyshire.

13 February

The Revd Bryony Taylor, Rector of the United Benefice of Barlborough and Clowne, Diocese of Derby, has also been appointed Assistant Area Dean of North East Derbyshire. Bryony started in post on 10th February 2025.

6 February

The Revd Canon Julian Hollywell has announced his resignation as Assistant Curate (Minister Responsible) of the parish of Derby St Andrew with St Osmund, within the benefice of Pride Park, Wilmorton, Allenton and Shelton Lock, Diocese of Derby. Julian’s last day in post will be 16 February 2025. Julian will continue as Vicar of the benefice of Spondon and Priest-in-Charge of the benefice of Chaddesden St Philip with Derby St Mark in the same diocese.

The Revd Canon Anthony (Tony) Kaunhoven, Vicar of the benefice of Bakewell, Ashford in the Water with Sheldon and Rowsley, Diocese of Derby, has announced his retirement. Tony’s last day in post will be 18th May, with his retirement taking effect from 19th May 2025. Tony will be appointed Canon Emeritus of Derby Cathedral in retirement.

The Revd Ian Jarvis, Curate of Penge Christ Church with Holy Trinity (Rochester) 1963- 1967, Curate of Bilston St Leonard (Lichfield) 1967-1971, Vicar of Lozells St Silas (Birmingham) 1971-1976, Vicar of Chaddesden St Mary (Derby) 1976-1995, Vicar of Newhall 1995-2002, who retired in 2002 and held Permission to Officiate in the Diocese of Derby 2002-2022, died on 18th January 2025. The funeral will take place on Monday 24th February at 11.15 am at St Mary’s Chaddesden, followed by a private committal.

Children's and Family Ministry resources

Primary School Retreat Days & Training delivered by the Peak Centre

Learn how to facilitate retreat days for the local primary schools in your own context! Look out for this training in the new year, offered by the highly qualified team at the Peak Centre.

Book a primary school retreat day here and see the Peak Centre website for more information here.

Looking for material to use for your All Age worship?

Christian cartoons, worship songs, and free resources.

The award-winning Cheeky Pandas is one of a kind: a British-made Christian TV series for kids on YouTube. It is Bible-based, fun, free, friendly and full of music, for children and parents looking for faith-based content. There are also stacks of extra resources to serve parents, schools and churches. This is what you’ve been looking for! Click the Cheeky Panda logo to go the the website.

Messy Church

It’s church, but not as you know it.

Messy Church is a way of being church for families and others. It is Christ-centred, for all ages, based on creativity, hospitality and celebration.

Follow this link to find out more and start your own journey to starting a Messy Church in your parish.

Learn The Lords Prayer with actions... perfect for a Messy Church session

Training, Events and Opportunities

Free Safeguarding Training for all.

Derby and Derbyshire Safeguarding Children Partnership Logo

Strenthen your understanding of the many issues that impace children. The e-learning course is funded by both local authorities and FREE to complete for all.

Follow this link to get registerd and booked onto a webinar.

Delivered by Ridley Hall, free and fully funded by the Church of England, Catalyst is a dynamic training course which aims to equip and connect those who work with children and young people in the local church. It’s for anyone, whether you are experienced or new to working with children and young people.

Starting this October, you will gain new knowledge and skills, connect with others, and also have the option to complete an assignment and gain 20 credits at level 4 qualification if you would like to.

Find out more, and sign-up on their website here.

Save the date portrait 7

We have more training lined up for 2026 so watch this space!

Home
See More
Introducing Growing Faith
See More
Making Church Accessible
See More
Growing Faith in schools
See More
Youth Ministry Resources
See More
Training, Events and Opportunities
See More
Children's and Family Ministry resources
See More
Good News Stories from our Parishes
See More
Funding - Children and Youth Work
See More

1

Living Hope Resources for Lent 2025

This Lent we are encouraged to put down deep roots of hope by connecting with God who is with us at all times.

The Church of England’s Lent theme for 2025 is Living Hope.

In Lent we journey with Jesus on the difficult and thorny road that leads all the way to the cross on Good Friday – and beyond, to the transformation of Easter Day.

God invites us to bring to him our own journey through everyday life. In the disappointment of daily setbacks and the pain of deeper hurts, we discover that God is present with us. And God promises a future where all things are healed and made new.

Living Hope offers us the opportunity to deepen our hope in God and be part of what God is doing to bring hope in the world.

Alongside a printed reflection booklet, the everyday faith app and daily emails there are a range of new resources available for churches, schools, families and individuals available from churchofengland.org and logo and branding items for the resource hub on achurchnearyou.com

A special webinar hosted by the national team will be held on 5 February please click here to register.

Vacancy in See Committee

About the Vacancy In See Committee

This is a statutory committee, serving for a three-year term, who only meet when there is a Vacancy in See.
Meaning, in the case of the Diocese of Derby, if the post of the Bishop of Derby were to become vacant, then the Vacancy in See committee would meet.

Members don’t need to be on any other committee, synod or be a PCC member.
Members do need to be on an electoral roll or be a clerk in holy orders within the Diocese*

Should a Vacancy in See arise, Members would then meet to identify the needs of the Diocese and work with the Crown Nominations Commission of the General Synod, to identify the next Diocesan Bishop.

This process is governed by The Vacancy in See Committees Regulation 2024. The General Synod makes the Regulation, which is a Consolidation Instrument within the meaning of Standing Order 71(9) of the General Synod.

*Eligibility Criteria (in full…)

Any cleric beneficed in the Diocese or licensed under seal by the Bishop of Derby is eligible for election by members of the House of Clergy of the Diocesan Synod, except that no archdeacon and no person in Episcopal orders is eligible to be elected in this election. (The election involves the whole House of Clergy of the Diocesan Synod. This means that a person from one Area/archdeaconry can be proposed, seconded and be voted for by persons from another).

Any lay person who is an actual communicant, as defined in Church Representation Rule 83(2), and whose name is entered on the electoral roll of a parish in the Diocese is eligible for election by the House of Laity of the Diocesan Synod. (The election involves the whole House of Laity. This means that a person from one Area/archdeaconry can be proposed, seconded and voted for by persons from another).

More information

For more information, please contact the Presiding Officer - presidingofficer@derby.anglican.org.

Resources

>> Diocesan Synod Members for Triennium 2024 - 2027 [PDF]

January 2025

30 January

The Revd Julian Penfold, Assistant Curate (Associate Priest-SSM) in the benefice of Alfreton, the benefice of Riddings and Ironville and the benefice of Somercotes, Diocese of Derby, has announced his resignation. Julian’s last day in post was 31 January 2025.

The Revd Dr Gillian White will be licensed as Assistant Curate (SSM-known as Associate Priest) in the parish of Fairfield, within the benefice of Fairfield, Peak Forest and Dove Holes, Diocese of Derby, on Sunday 16 March at 11 am at Charles, King & Martyr, Peak Forest by the Bishop of Repton.

23 January

The Revd Philip Bosher, Vicar of the benefice of Winshill and Bretby and Priest-in-Charge of the benefice of Stapenhill Immanuel, Diocese of Derby, has announced his retirement. Philip’s last day in post will be 31st May, with his retirement taking effect from 1st June 2025.

The Revd Dr Gillian White, Assistant Curate (Pioneer Priest-SSM) of Tideswell, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Assistant Curate (SSM-known as Associate Priest) in the parish of Fairfield, within the benefice of Fairfield, Peak Forest and Dove Holes, in the same diocese. Gillian will be licensed on Sunday 16th March at 11 am at St Peter’s Fairfield by the Bishop of Repton.

16 January

The Revd Karen Bradley, Rector of the East Scarsdale Team Ministry and Area Dean of Hardwick, Diocese of Derby, has stepped down as Area Dean of Hardwick. Her last day in this role was 31st December, 2024. The Venerable Karen Hamblin, Archdeacon of East Derbyshire, will be the interim point of contact until such time as a permanent appointment is made.

The Revd Christine French will be licensed as Priest-in-Charge of the benefice of West Hallam and Mapperley with Stanley, Diocese of Derby, on Sunday 26th January at 4 pm at St Wilfrid’s West Hallam by the Bishop of Repton assisted by the Archdeacon of East Derbyshire.

The Revd Elliot (Malcolm) Duthie, Curate of Eccleston St Luke (Liverpool) 1966-1969, Malaysia 1970-1975, Priest-in-Charge of Bootle St Leonard 1976-1978; Vicar of the same benefice 1978-1981, Vicar of Charlton Kings Holy Apostles (Gloucester) 1981-1994, who retired in 1994, and held Permission to Officiate in the Dioceses of Gloucester 1994- 2000; Exeter 2002-2005 and Derby 2006-2018, died on 10th December 2024. A service of thanksgiving will take place on Friday 24th January at 1.30 pm at St Barnabas’ Derby.

A memorial service for the Revd Simon White, who died in November 2024, will take place on Saturday, 15 February at 2 pm at St John the Baptist Tideswell.

The Revd Phillippa Taylor will be licensed as Priest-in-Charge of the benefice of Boulton St Mary, Diocese of Derby, on Sunday,9 March at 3 pm at St Mary’s Boulton by the Bishop of Derby assisted by the Archdeacon of Derby City and South Derbyshire.

9 January

The Revd Rachel Burdett will be licensed as Priest-in-Charge of the benefice of Belper Christ Church and Turnditch, the benefice of Hazelwood, Holbrook and Milford and the benefice of Ambergate and Heage, Diocese of Derby, on Tuesday 18th February at 7 pm at St Luke’s Heage by the Bishop of Repton assisted by the Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales.

The Revd Christine French, Priest-in-Charge of the benefice of Kirk Hallam and Assistant Curate (Associate Priest) in the benefice of Ilkeston St John, Diocese of Derby, has also been appointed Priest-in-Charge of the benefice of West Hallam and Mapperley with Stanley in the same diocese.

Items filtered by date: April 2026

27 March

21 March

13 March

13 March

6 March

Churchwardens network gathering

The care and maintenance of church buildings

27 February

14 February

13 February

6 February

Primary School Retreat Days & Training delivered by the Peak Centre

Learn how to facilitate retreat days for the local primary schools in your own context! Look out for this training in the new year, offered by the highly qualified team at the Peak Centre.

Book a primary school retreat day here and see the Peak Centre website for more information here.

Looking for material to use for your All Age worship?

Messy Church

It’s church, but not as you know it.

Messy Church is a way of being church for families and others. It is Christ-centred, for all ages, based on creativity, hospitality and celebration.

Follow this link to find out more and start your own journey to starting a Messy Church in your parish.

Learn The Lords Prayer with actions... perfect for a Messy Church session

Free Safeguarding Training for all.

We have more training lined up for 2026 so watch this space!

About the Vacancy In See Committee

*Eligibility Criteria (in full…)

More information

Resources

30 January

23 January

16 January

9 January

Contact and Find Us

Derby Church House