Items filtered by date: June 2025
The end of 2020 saw the Venerable Dr Christopher Cunliffe bid farewell to the diocese after 14 years as the Archdeacon of Derby.
At a special Evensong at Derby Cathedral, he was joined by members of his family, colleagues and friends. The service was also streamed online.
In his sermon, Archdeacon Christopher said: "Fourteen years ago, standing in the pulpit here to preach the sermon at my installation service, I looked out over a sea of unfamiliar faces, broken by the occasional welcome outcrop of recognition.
"Now, in rather different circumstances, I feel surrounded and upheld by friends and colleagues, even if the encouraging smiles are more difficult to determine [because of the need to wear face masks].
"Thank you for being here, whether in person or online and for the companionship and patience you, and the people you represent, have afforded me over the years."
He was presented with gifts from the diocese and the cathedral.
Peter Robinson, the Dean of Derby, thanks Archdeacon Christopher for his service and enlists the help of Christopher's grandchildren to present gifts from the cathedral
Bishop Libby thanked him for his "extraordinary and dedicated service" to the Diocese of Derby.
She also recorded one of a series of videos, made by colleagues past and present, in tribute to Christopher.
Recollecting his collation as Archdeacon of Derby in 2006, Christopher said: "It's the longest time I have been in a job. Most (within the Church) are fixed-term contracts - but it has given me the time to develop relationships which has been extremely important."
And using the words of Jonathan Bailey, a former Bishop of Derby, he described the diocese as a "diocese at ease with itself".
He said: "Being an archdeacon is very much a behind-the-scenes job. It is hard work but you are working with people who, if you take time with them, are incredibly amenable - they are intensely loyal to the parish church.
"The main part of our role is to help clergy be equipped for mission. In that respect, archdeacons aren't fathers or mothers like some senior clergy - instead we are the elder siblings."
Christopher began his ordained ministry in the Diocese of Derby. He was Assistant Curate at St Mary and All Saints Church in Chesterfield (the Crooked Spire) from 1983 to 1985.
Christopher at his installation as Archdeacon of Derby and with Helen outside Derby Cathedral
He worked alongside his wife, Helen, who was also a curate at the church in one of the first job-share arrangements in the Church of England.
In 1985 he became Chaplain and Research Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford, until 1989, when he became Chaplain of the City University and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
In 1991 he took a post in the Church of England’s Advisory Board of Ministry, which involved co-ordinating vocation and selection conferences for people seeking ordination.
From 1997-2003 he was Director of Ministry in the Diocese of London, and from 2004-2006 Chaplain to the Bishop of Bradwell in the Diocese of Chelmsford.
Christopher and Helen, a former archdeacon, have two grown-up sons, Edward and Jacob.
The African Bug
Christopher is a keen historian, with a doctorate in the subject and a continuing interest in research and writing.
He also has an interest in African history and culture, and until recently was Chair of MANNA (Mozambique and Angola Anglican Association).
His association with Africa came about in the 1990s when Helen, then as chair of USPG, took a sabatical in Zambia - and they were both bitten by the African bug.
They also visited Uganda and, in 1991, Christopher went to Mozambique through the Diocese of London.
In 1998 he was invited to becom the Chair of MANNA.
Drawing a comparison between the way the Church works there and here, Christopher said: "Angola is a country of 24 million people, though only around 150,000 Anglicans. But in some repects they are way ahead of us.
"There, they try not to emulate the English model of a diocese - they try to do things differently.
"For example, I remember one parish wanting to rebuild its church and the presentation on behalf of the PCC was given by a 15-year-old - many church officers there are in their teens or their 20s or 30s.
"It certainly helps give a different perspective on things."
A young Christopher Cunliffe with and equally young Rowan Williams, later to become Archbishop of Canterbury
Christopher and Helen will live in Carmarthenshire, Wales, in the Diocese of St David's. Christopher said: "I don't speak Welsh even though we have had a house there for ten years.
"We were also there when the first lockdown was announced earlier this year, so that is where we had to spend it."
In his retirement, Christopher aims to finish a book he started to write a while ago and plans to take up fly fishing, something he has "dabbled with" in the past.
He said: "There is much about Derbyshire and the Diocese of Derby I will miss - I have always felt at home at the churches I have visited.
"Whilst it is important to pay attention to the organisational and financial aspects, at a parish level life goes on and that is where the important work relating to communities and pastoral care etc, is done.
"This could actually be a time of significant change for the Diocese of Derby.
"The diocese knows what it is doing and is doing it well.
"Keep up the good work!"
Christopher with fellow archdeacon, Carol Coslett, the Archdeacon of Chesterfield, following his retirement service
Be part of our Diocesan Christmas Carol video
There’s nothing quite like singing carols together at Christmas.
Sadly, this year, we can’t hold our usual carol services – so we’re going to try to make a special version of O Come, All Ye Faithful to get us all singing as a diocese, in the spirit of hope and togetherness … and we’d love you to take part, by videoing yourself(selves) singing this most well-known of carols!
How to take part [PDF] | Download the audio track [mp3] | Download the words [PDF]
Fri, 4 December 2020
The fire that gutted All Saints' Church in Mackworth last night fire has resulted in severe damage to the building's interior.
Speaking to the BBC, Clive Stanbrook, area manager for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue said: "The roof has now completely fallen in on itself and the internal damage is extensive."
He added that the spire and the external walls are intact and fire crews had continued to ensure there was no further damage to the building late into the evening.
The fire was discovered just after 4.30pm on Thursday.
Six fire engines were sent to the scene including two ladder platforms.
Firefighters were able to protect the tower to a large extent, but were unable to save the nave roof.
An investigation into the cause of the fire has begun.
Revd Jacqueline Stober, vicar of All Saints, said the fire had been deeply distressing for the churchwardens, congregation and the communities that had done so much for the church, but she was confident that worship would continue at the site in some form: "People have worshipped in this place for a thousand years and, somehow, worship will continue here for the next thousand years."
She also posted on Facebook: "As we stood on Lower Lane watching the roof burn, I was so struck by how much love there is out in the community for All Saints.
"I have had messages of condolence from across the country from people who have sent messages of prayer and support to us at this terrible time.
"The fire can’t touch our memories of Sunday school and youth group; the place we first heard that we were loved by God beyond measure; weddings; baptisms; funerals, summer fairs and Christmas tree festivals.
"All those life events brought to church to take place under the loving gaze of our Heavenly Father and in the company of those we love."
The Right Reverend Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, praised the fire crews for their efforts and asked for prayers for all those affected by the fire.
She is expected to visit Mackworth at the weekend and to participate in a special service being planned near the site for Sunday morning.
Fire crews have been fighting a serious fire at Mackworth All Saints church.
The alarm was raised just after 4.30pm on Thursday (3 December).
Six fire engines were sent to the scene including two ladder platforms.
Firefighters were able to protect the tower to a large extent, but were unable to save the nave roof.
Mackworth All Saints, dating from the 12th century, lies to the north of the A52 road at the bottom of Church Lane.
Speaking from the scene, the vicar, Revd Jacqueline Stober, said: "It's a terrible scene and we don't yet know the full extent of the damage.
"I got a call from a churchwarden to say there was a fire and as I drove to the church I could see smoke and a glow on the horizon so I knew is was bad.
"This is horrible for all the congregation and for those who have looked after this church for many years - some have put their heart and soul into it."
The Right Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, said: “With the congregations and community of Mackworth, I am shocked and deeply saddened by the fire at this beautiful building.
“This church has stood as a witness in this place to the Good News of Christ for centuries, and in the midst of our grief for this loss we remember that Jesus, who has been worshipped in that church for so long, is still with us even in the midst of this disaster.
“We are grateful for the courage of those who fought the fire and my thoughts and prayers are with them and all those affected.”
The present building was largely built in the 14th and 15th centuries, with additions in the 19th century and Derbyshire alabaster featuring prominently in the interior decoration.
The beauty of its setting has made it popular for weddings.
The Revd Penny Goodchild, Assistant Curate (OLM) of Pinxton 2011-2015 (Derby), Assistant Curate (known as Associate Priest - OLM) of Pinxton 2015-2020, who retired in March 2020, died on Friday,18 December 2020. Funeral details will follow in due course
The Revd Nicky Fenton, Priest-in-Charge of Hazelwood, Holbrook and Milford, with occasional work as the Bishop’s Ordained Chaplain and on educational matters, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed by the Church Commissioners to be Chaplain to the Bishop of Derby and Residentiary Canon of Derby Cathedral in the same diocese. Mrs Fenton hopes to take up her appointment in March. Mrs Fenton will continue as Acting Retirement Chaplain and the Bishop’s Advisor in Spirituality as part of her new role.
The Revd Colin Cooper, Team Rector in the North Wingfield Team, has announced his retirement. Mr Cooper’s last day in post will be Sunday, 28 February 2021, with his retirement taking effect from Monday, 1 March 2021. Mr Cooper will be moving away from the diocese.
The Revd Sarah Watson will be licensed as Interim Assistant Curate (to be known as Enabling Minister) of Chaddesden St Philip with Derby St Mark, of Spondon, the parish of Derby St Andrew and St Osmund, the Derwent Oak Bishop’s Mission Order and the Journey Community Bishop’s Mission Order, Diocese of Derby, on Monday, 4 January 2021 at 4pm by the Bishop of Derby.
The following appointments have been made and will be taken up with immediate effect alongside their present roles.
Acting Director of Ordinands
The Revd Carollyn McDonald
Please email about ordinand matters using carollyn.mcdonald@derby.anglican.org
Assistant Director of Ordinands
Mr Steve Hayler
Please email about ordinand matters using steve.hayler@derby.anglican.org
The Revd Jacqueline Stober
Please email about ordinand matters using jacqueline.stober@derby.anglican.org
The Revd Sarah Watson, Assistant Curate of the Derwent Oak BMO (including St Philip’s Church Plant) and of Spondon, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Interim Assistant Curate (to be known as Enabling Minister) of Chaddesden St Philip with Derby St Mark, of Spondon, the parish of Derby St Andrew and St Osmund, the Derwent Oak Bishop’s Mission Order and the Journey Community Bishop’s Mission Order in the same diocese. Mrs Watson hopes to take up her new appointment in January.
The Revd Alun Rowlands, Assistant Curate (SSM - known as Associate Priest) in the benefice of Mickleover, has announced his retirement. Mr Rowlands’ last day in post will be Thursday, 4 February, with his retirement taking effect from Friday, 5 February, 2021. His contact details will not change.
For Advent, the people of Killamarsh have been invited to decorate windows and light up the North East Derbyshire village.
And in conjunction with the Killamarsh Christmas Community Project 2020 themed on Light, Love and Hope, Revd Helen Guest contacted local nursing homes, nurseries and schools offering Christmas resources.
The response has been extremely positive and plans are being made to distribute the gifts in early December.
The idea of the gifts has offered Light, Love and Hope.
St Giles’s Church will be offering Bethlehem Carol Sheets and CDs to the residents and staff of the two nursing homes, copies of My Mini Bible Sticker Book Christmas to 123 children who attend nursery and the 603 school children will receive ‘Meet the Cast’ booklets.
The CofE Comfort and Joy booklets will be distributed to the local community on behalf of St Giles.
Killamarsh Methodists are also supporting by handcrafting beautiful Christmas stars with a gift tag of Matthew 2:2: "We have seen his star in the east and have come to worship Him. May you find Christ’s peace, joy and fellowship this Christmas."
The stars will be given to the staff and residents of the nursing homes, nurseries, schools, and the St Giles community.
As part of the project, candles will be distributed across the village with enough for every key worker, as a thank you for being ‘lights of Killamarsh’ and continuing to shine through this pandemic.
Prayer
Stir up, O Lord the wills of your faithful people;
That we, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of your good works
May by you be plenteously rewarded;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Archdeacon Carol’s Stir-Up Christmas Cake recipe:
Download the recipe [PDF]
Ingredients:
500g Boiled Mixed Fruit (represents Giving / Talents / gifts)
250g Butter / Margarine (represents Caring / sharing)
400g Sugar (represents Joy and Happiness)
Mixed spice / nutmeg (represents Holiness / treasures)
Cherries (represents Kindness)
3 Eggs (represents Hope / New Birth)
500g Flour (represents Love / Friendship)
Milk (represents Faith / Strength)
Method:
Boil up the mixed fruit in a saucepan for 5 mins.
Use a colander to remove the water and add the fruit to a large mixing bowl.
Add the butter cut up into small cubes, stir until melted.
Add sugar and stir.
Add 2 teaspoons of spices and cherries.
Add 3 eggs seperately and stir in well.
Add flour gradually and keep stirring until a consistent mixture.
Add milk to mix and stir.
Bake in a lined, square 8-inch cake tin for 1 hour 30 min, at 150 - 180 C / gas mark 2 - 3 depending on type of oven.
When cool, cover and place in a sealed tin to mature.
Ice with marzipan and white icing, decorate as preferred.
