Journeying together: a summary of Diocesan Synod, 18 October 2025

Diocesan finances and our Net Zero Carbon strategy were the focus of conversation at the Derby Diocesan Synod, as it met for its 147th session on Saturday, 18 October in St John’s Church, Walton.

This was a really active meeting and our thanks to everyone who attended and provided their input.

If you want to know more, read the summary of the meeting here.

St Peter's Church in Hartshorne is delighted to announce that we have been awarded a generous grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support essential repairs to our historic building and develop a hub for our local history. The restoration work is scheduled to begin next spring and will focus on preserving the church’s architectural integrity for future generations. 

As part of the project, there will be opportunities for the local community to get involved. This includes educational activities and engagement sessions with our local schools and the village community, offering a chance to learn about heritage conservation and the church’s rich history. 

Debbie Patrick, Churchwarden of St Peters Church. “We are very excited to get this project going; giving us the opportunity to do much needed repairs to our village church, which has stood on the hill in Hartshorne since the 15th century and has played a significant role in the life of our village for many generations; seeing the villagers through good times and bad, feasts and famines, peace time and wars. The restoration works, undertaken by ASBC of Melbourne - www.asbc.ltd - will be the beginning of ongoing work to ensure that our church remains a vital part of our community for many years to come; not to mention the fantastic opportunity this project gives us to explore and display the history for visitors and locals alike for years to come”. 

We are grateful for the support of the The National Lottery Heritage Fund and look forward to working closely with the community throughout this exciting project. 

We are seeking a compassionate and Jesus-centred leader who will lead this growing and flourishing church, situated mid-way between Derby and Nottingham in South East Derbyshire, in our faith journey and take us to the next stage of all that God is calling us to.

We are praying for someone who:

• Is Spirit-led and prayerful, able to teach and encourage deeper discipleship through Sunday worship and throughout the week, helping to grow a ‘praying church’.
• Will work alongside established and thriving volunteer-led community engagement, seeking to deepen faith connections amongst those who engage with the church in the community.
• Has the ability and experience to nurture lay leadership in every aspect of church life.
• Can lead, develop and encourage pastoral care across congregation and community.
• Has a commitment to growth across all generations.
• Values and promotes diversity, equality and inclusion.

For more information about this post, please contact: the Venerable Matthew Trick, Acting Archdeacon of East Derbyshire: matthew.trick@derby.anglican.org

Please download the application form, profile and additional information using the links below:

Letter from the Bishop of Derby

Parish Profile

Role Description

Application Form

The Diocese of Derby is committed to safeguarding. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. For information on safeguarding, recruitment checks and how we process your data, visit https://bit.ly/DODSaferRecruitment

Closing date: Noon, Friday 13^th February 2026

Interview date: Tuesday 24^th March 2026

Church Urban Fund is a national charity working with local leaders, churches and other faith groups all over England. Our local partners are committed to serving and strengthening the community where they live.

Click on their logo to go to their introduction page.

NEW: easyfundraising Impact Fund : 20 x £500 unrestricted grants

The new easyfundraising Impact Fund is now open with 20 unrestricted grants of £500 for UK not-for-profit organisations to help them continue or enhance their work. The grant is unrestricted, so it can be used wherever the money is needed most to support your work.

When to apply: 23 February – 5 April

Who can apply:

The fund is open to UK based:

• Registered charities
• Other not-for-profit organisations
• Sports clubs and teams
• Schools and education settings
• Social enterprises and CICs
• After-school and youth groups
• Churches and religious organisations

How it’s awarded: The application form is straightforward. Grants will be awarded to organisations that best explain how they would use the £500. The grants will be awarded across a mix of categories and locations, and the fund is open to organisations of all sizes and structures. Apply here: www.easyfundraising.org.uk/impact-fund

Church choirs receive £400,000 boost for programme to increase participation by children.

The breadth of funding streams potentially available for your project

Note: Many of these funders flow in and out of funding so it will be necessary to check directly to see if they are currently open to applications.

 Youth Work Project

• National Lottery Funding – Flexible, supports salaries, equipment, and community-led youth projects.
• The Childs Charitable Trust– Supports Christian organisations sharing the gospel, including youth work.
• John James Charitable Trust – Supports Christian education and youth ministry.
• The Cinnamon Network – Offers micro-grants for churches starting youth-focused projects.
• Laing Family Trusts – Support Christian youth initiatives, including capital improvements.
• Joseph Rank Trust – Supports youth-focused Christian projects and church property improvements.
• Garfield Weston Foundation - Garfield Weston Foundation funding youth work.

Community Outreach Project

• National Lottery Funding– Strong fit for community-led outreach, especially in disadvantaged areas.
• Benefact Trust – Supports projects with community impact and Christian ethos.
• MB Reckitt Trust – Funds Christian social action and community cohesion.
• Sir Halley Stewart Trust – Supports innovative social projects that promote human flourishing.
• The Bishop Radford Trust – Supports Christian ministry with community impact.

 Mental Health Support Project

• National Lottery Funding– Supports mental health initiatives, especially in underserved communities.
• Sir Halley Stewart Trust – Funds pioneering social and medical projects.
• Benefact Trust – Supports projects tackling social issues, including mental health.
• Joseph Rank Trust – May support if framed within practical and spiritual needs.
• MB Reckitt Trust – Supports Christian social thought and action, including mental health.
• The Bishop Radford Trust – Supports Christian ministry, including pastoral care.

Funders that May Support Equipment (with the right framing):

• Benefact Trust – Typically funds capital projects, so if the equipment is part of a building upgrade or a tangible, lasting asset, it may be eligible.
• Biffa Award– Focuses on building improvements, but may include fixtures and fittings (e.g. kitchen equipment, heating systems).
• National Lottery Funding– Very flexible and can fund equipment, especially if it supports community benefit.
• Joseph Rank Trust– May support equipment if it’s part of a broader Christian community or educational project.
• Laing Family Trusts– Could support equipment if it’s essential to a Christian youth or community initiative.
• The Cinnamon Network – Their £2,000 micro-grants could be used for small-scale equipment needs tied to a recommended project.

 Possibly Suitable for Salaries or Staff Costs

• The Childs Charitable Trust – Supports Christian organisations sharing the gospel; may fund staff if aligned with mission.
• John James Charitable Trust – Supports individuals in ministry training and Christian education; may support youth workers if aligned.
• The Bishop Radford Trust – Supports Christian ministry broadly; may include staffing.
• Benefact Trust - This is another funder that can support salaries for community-based projects.

Building Renovation Project

• Biffa Award – Excellent for community building renovations; must meet location criteria and provide 10% match funding.
• Benefact Trust – Funds capital projects with Christian ethos and community impact.
• Joseph Rank Trust – Supports church property improvements for community use.
• Laing Family Trusts – Fund capital improvements for Christian organisations.
• John James Charitable Trust – May support building improvements for Christian youth work.

 Funders Likely to Offer 100% Funding

• National Lottery Funding flexible and equity-based; can fund full project costs including salaries, equipment, and delivery.
• The Childs Charitable Trust No mention of match funding; supports Christian organisations sharing the gospel.
• The Cinnamon Network offers fixed micro-grants (£2,000); no match funding required.
• John James Charitable Trust supports individuals and organisations; no match funding mentioned.
• Sir Halley Stewart Trust focuses on innovative projects; no match funding requirement stated.
• Slavanka Trust supports Christian ministry and education; no match funding mentioned.
• Saltley trust funds Christian learning and education; no match funding requirement noted.
• The Bishop Radford Trust supports Christian ministry; no indication of match funding needed.
• MB Reckitt Trust Funds Christian social thought and action; no match funding required.

Funders That Require or Prefer Match Funding

• · Biffa Award requires a 10% third-party contribution. This is a strict condition for eligibility.
• · Benefact Trust typically funds only a small percentage of the total project cost to support more causes. Match funding is expected.
• · Joseph Rank Trust While not explicitly stated, they often fund part of a project and expect applicants to have other sources of funding.
• · Laing Family Trusts may not fund 100% of a project; co-funding is often expected, especially for capital projects

Madelaine Goddard retired from Derby city deanery after over ten years as their lay chair. At the most recent meeting of the Deanery Synod (October 2025) Madelaine offered a typically grace—filled retirement speech.

Rev’d Sarah Watson, Area Dean of Derby city, thanked Madeline for her support and wisdom and presented her with flowers and a crowd-funded gift as a token of the deanery’s great appreciation.

Archdeacon Matthew Trick, Archdeacon of Derby and South Derbyshire, commented, “Madelaine Goddard has been a faithful servant of Christ, guiding Derby City deanery from the two city deaneries merging into the present deanery, and successive Area and Asst Deans. She has held the deanery as Lay Chair with care and prayerfulness, offering helpful wisdom and insight into discussions across diocesan life. We are truly grateful for Madelaine's long and faithful service”.  

Photo: Revd Mina Mumms presents Madelaine Goddard with a bouquet of flowers. 

Derby Cathedral welcomed people from all over the diocese on Sunday 5 October for the second Bishop's Badge service.

This special service celebrates ministry and service in the church and the community. The Bishop of Derby’s Badges presented recognise the distinguished service and dedication of many individuals contributing in Jesus’ name to the mission of the church. The service was led by the Right Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, assisted by the Very Revd Dr Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby. The Reflection was given by the Right Revd Malcolm Macnaughton, Bishop of Repton. Music for the service is sung by the Cathedral Voluntary Choir. 

Awards for Missional Innovation

Jane Baker, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Keith Brown, St Peter, Hope

Steve Burton, St Edmund, Allestree

Mandy Cairns, Gresley 

Sue Leese, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Michael Lilley, Stanton in Peak

David Stuart, St Francis, Mackworth

Sue Stubbs, Gresley 

Lucy Thompson, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Helen Walker-Foss, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Edlaston, Ednaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Sonia Wright, St Bartholomew, Whittington and St Barnabas, New Whittington

Awards for Missional Service

Susan Abbott, Bolsover Parish Church

David Baker, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Cheryl Baxter, Boulton St Mary, Alvaston

Paul Baxter, Boulton St Mary, Alvaston

Tony Betteridge, Emmanuel, Swadlincote

Adrian Blanksby, St John the Evangelist, Newbold with Dunston

David Brierley, St Matthew, Darley Abbey

Jane Burton, St Edmund, Allestree

David Chinn, Brimington 

Ann Cleaver, St John, Walton

Anne Cogley, St Edmund, Allestree

Jennifer Crump, St Giles, Killamarsh

Sue Duffill, Boulton St Mary, Alvaston

Roger Easton, St Mark’s Church, Winshill

Sheila Exley, All Saints, Ockbrook 

Francine Franklin, St John the Evangelist, Hazelwood

Joan Garrett, Cathedral of All Saints, Derby

Sue Goodhall, St Lawrence, Great Barlow

John Gratton, The Parish of St Matthew

Jerry Haynes, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Katrina Hayward, Saint George the Martyr, New Mills

Doreen Hickman, Sinfin Moor Benefice

Richard Hughes, The Parish of St Matthew

Michael Joyce, St Mary and St Lawrence, Bolsover

Patricia Kellogg, St John the Evangelist, Hazelwood

Janet Leigh, Christ Church, Belper

Joyce Lewis, Kirk Hallam

Janet Love, Cathedral of All Saints, Derby

Margie Martindale, St Michael, Sutton-on-the-Hill

Ann Morton, St Matthew, Renishaw

Kevin Needham, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Lesley Needham, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Lisa Ollerenshaw, Boulton St Mary, Alvaston

Vicki Owen, St Barnabas, New Whittington

Andrew Pollett, Christ Church, Belper

Frances Prockter, St Luke the Beloved Physician, Derby

Barbara Rawson, St Luke the Beloved Physician, Derby

John Richardson, Saint George the Martyr, New Mills

Beth Robson-Smith, St Thomas and St Mark, Brampton

Andrew Rosser, St Peter and St Paul, Old Brampton

Lindsey Schroeter, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Samantha Sharland, Emmanuel, Swadlincote

Helen Shaw, St Lawrence, Great Barlow

Michael Shepherd, St Anne, Derby

Judith Slater, Sawley 

John Smart, Cathedral of All Saints, Derby

Frank Stevens, St Anne's, Derby

Muriel Stirland, Brimington 

Simon Thompson, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley

Carl Veal, St Peter, Chellaston

Allan Voice, St John the Baptist, Ault Hucknall

Chris Willis, St Edmund, Allestree

Sonia Wright, St Bartholomew, Whittington and St Barnabas, New Whittington

Photos from this service are available here 

In September, Bishop Malcolm visited Sinfin Moor church for a special tree planting service to help celebrate the installation of solar panels and their commitment to a sustainable future. 

The church paid for the panels with help from the Church of England's 'Give to Go Green' initiative. What began as a spark of vision in Lent 2022 has now blossomed into a vibrant eco-journey, with the whole congregation and wider community coming together to make it happen.

Revd Gael Browne, Assistant Curate at Sinfin Moor Church shares their experience:

Our story began in Lent 2022, when, as a church, we explored the book "Embracing Justice" by Revd Dr Isabelle Hamley. One session on climate justice particularly challenged us, and a retired member of clergy in our congregation, the Revd Eileen Bangay, felt deeply that she had heard from God regarding our call to creation care as a church.

With Melanie (steward) and Joshua (Church Warden) forming a small team alongside Revd Eileen, we took our first step by registering with A Rocha UK’s Eco Church scheme in early 2023.

Momentum quickly built, and by that summer, community groups such as the Guides and Rangers were joining us in eco-focused activities. In June 2023, we were delighted to receive the Silver Eco Church Award, as well as the Bronze retrospectively.

Spurred on by this momentum, our vision continued to grow. By August 2023, we began researching the possibility of installing solar panels. As we are an LEP (Local Ecumenical Partnership), we were able to approach our various denominational partners for support. In early 2025, we received confirmation of successful grant applications from the Methodist Church and the URC Church. This was a huge encouragement that our dream of using more sustainable energy could become a reality.

The real breakthrough came in May 2025, when we joined the Church of England’s 'Give to Go Green' scheme. With encouragement and visits from our Diocesan Parish Support Officers, we set out to raise £5,000 in just six weeks so that match-funding could be unlocked. Through coffee mornings, a beetle drive, a sponsored Bible reading, and a shared lunch, our congregation and community rallied together, and we reached our goal!

Wendy, a member of the congregation, says:

“I love the fact that Sinfin Moor Church has taken responsibility for installing Solar Panels to help reduce the greenhouse effect. It is a great witness to the surrounding community as to how much we care for Father God's creation.”

By August 2025, the solar panels and battery system were installed. In our very first week, we were already feeding energy back into the national grid; a visible sign of stewardship and sustainability in action. 

This has been a journey of faith, community, and determination. We wanted to respond to God’s distinct call to care for creation, and it has been amazing to see people inside and outside the church joining together to make this vision a reality.

As the psalmist reminds us: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1). Installing solar panels is just one way of living out our calling to steward God’s world faithfully.

With lower bills, greener energy, and a renewed witness to our community, we pray that our journey will encourage other churches across the Diocese to explore the Eco Church path and seize the opportunities offered by initiatives like 'Give to Go Green'.

The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby today reflected on the announcement of The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE to be the next Archbishop of Canterbury

“I am delighted that Bishop Sarah has been nominated as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. I have long valued her as a colleague, and I look forward to serving with her as she leads the Church of England and the Anglican Communion in the coming years. 

I am grateful for all the gifts and experience she brings from her work before ordination as Chief Nursing Officer, and the rich episcopal ministry she has offered in both the Diocese of Exeter and latterly serving with humility and courage the diverse communities that make up the Diocese of London. She will be a huge blessing to the wider Church and the nation as our next Archbishop.

This is a significant moment for the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican Church; please join me in praying for Sarah and her family as she takes on the enormous challenges and responsibilities of archbishop ministry.”

His Majesty The King has approved the nomination of the Bishop of London, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, as the next Archbishop of Canterbury, Downing Street has announced.

Bishop Sarah will be the first woman to hold the office. 

She will be installed in a service at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2026. Sarah Mullally has been the Bishop of London since 2018, the first woman appointed to that role, and before that was Bishop of Crediton in the Diocese of Exeter. Prior to her ordination in 2001, she was the Government’s Chief Nursing Officer for England – the youngest person ever to be appointed to that role at the age of 37 – having previously specialised as a cancer nurse. Bishop Sarah has described nursing as "an opportunity to reflect the love of God".

The Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) for Canterbury nominated Bishop Sarah following a process of public consultation and prayerful discernment that began in February this year. The Canterbury CNC was made up of representatives from across the Church of England, global Anglican Communion and the Diocese of Canterbury. 

Bishop Sarah said: “As I respond to the call of Christ to this new ministry, I do so in the same spirit of service to God and to others that has motivated me since I first came to faith as a teenager. 

“At every stage of that journey, through my nursing career and Christian ministry, I have learned to listen deeply – to people and to God’s gentle prompting – to seek to bring people together to find hope and healing.

“I want, very simply, to encourage the Church to continue to grow in confidence in the Gospel, to speak of the love that we find in Jesus Christ and for it to shape our actions. 

“And I look forward to sharing this journey of faith with the millions of people serving God and their communities in parishes all over the country and across the global Anglican Communion. 

“I know this is a huge responsibility but I approach it with a sense of peace and trust in God to carry me as He always has.” 

Lord Evans, Chair of the Crown Nominations Commission for Canterbury, said: “It has been a great privilege to have chaired the Crown Nominations Commission as it sought to discern who God is calling to lead the Church of England and Anglican Communion as Archbishop of Canterbury. 

“That discernment began with the public consultation, which heard the voices of thousands of people as they expressed their hopes for this nomination, and continued all the way through to the Commission’s final meeting. 

“I would like to thank all those who took part in this process, particularly those who took time to share their views in the consultation and the members of the Commission who worked so diligently over several months, ably assisted by the Appointments Secretaries and by the Appointments and Vocations team at Lambeth Palace. 

“I shall be praying for Bishop Sarah as she prepares to take up this new ministry in the coming months.”   

Bishop Anthony Poggo, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, said: “I welcome and commend the nomination of Bishop Sarah as the next Archbishop of Canterbury and invite the churches of the global Anglican Communion to pray for her as she prepares to take up this important ministry. 

“May God grant her wisdom and discernment, as she seeks to listen to Member churches, encourage mutual support, and foster unity. 

“The Anglican Communion Office is fully committed to supporting her ministry as she works with other Provinces and the Instruments of the Anglican Communion. 

“Let us pray that God will pour out His Spirit on the Anglican Communion to boldly share Christ's transformational love and the hope of the Gospel in today’s world.”

Read Bishop Libby's response here 

30 October

The Revd Sarah Colver, Vicar of Old Brampton and Great Barlow and Priest-in-Charge of Loundsley Green LEP, Diocese of Derby, has stepped down as Assistant Area Dean of North East Derbyshire. Her last day in this role was Saturday, 18 October 2025.

23 October

The Bishop of Derby is delighted to announce that the Revd Matthew (Matt) Green, Curate of Emmanuel Loughborough, Diocese of Leicester, has been appointed Rector of the Benefice of Aston-on-Trent, Elvaston, Weston-on-Trent and Shardlow, Barrow-upon-Trent with Twyford and Swarkestone, Diocese of Derby, subject to all legal and safeguarding requirements being fulfilled.

The Bishop of Derby is delighted to announce that the Revd Laura Neilson, Assistant Curate of the benefice of Dinting Vale and the Glossopdale Mission Community, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed interim part-time Priest-in-Charge of the benefice of Charlesworth and Gamesley and of the benefice of Dinting Vale, Diocese of Derby. Laura will be licensed on Sunday, 23 November 2025 at 4pm at Holy Trinity Dinting Vale by the Bishop of Repton assisted by the Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales, subject to all legal and safeguarding requirements being fulfilled.

16 October

The Bishop of Derby is delighted to announce that the Revd Frances (Fran) Smettem, Assistant Curate in the benefice of Chew Valley West, Diocese of Bath and Wells, has been appointed Priest-in-Charge of the benefice of Eyam with Foolow and Baslow, and Priest-in-Charge of the parishes of Curbar and Stoney Middleton, Diocese of Derby, subject to all legal and safeguarding requirements being fulfilled.

9 October

The Revd John Drackley, Curate of Eckington, (Derby) 1959-1962, Curate of the Good Shepherd with St Peter’s Lees (Southwark) 1962-1963, Curate of Derby St Thomas (Derby) 1963-1967, Curate of Matlock and Tansley 1967-1977, Priest-in-Charge of Radbourne, of Longford and of Dalbury and Long Lane 1977-1982, Curate of Turnditch and Hazelwood 1982-1995, Curate of Matlock St Giles 1995-1998, who retired in 1998, held the Bishop of Derby’s Permission to Officiate 1998-2016, and was for many years Secretary of the Diocesan Advisory Committee, died on Sunday, 29 June 2025.

The Bishop of Derby is delighted to announce that the Revd Phil Michell, Rector of the Benefice of Hulland, Atlow, Kniveton, Bradley and Hognaston and Area Dean of Carsington, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Lead Agricultural Chaplain to Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy and will hold the Bishop of Derby’s licence in the same diocese, subject to all legal and safeguarding requirements being fulfilled.

The Revd Fay Price, Assistant Curate in the Benefice of Derby St Alkmund and St Werburgh, Diocese of Derby, has announced her resignation as she moves to the Diocese of Gloucester. Fay’s last day in post will be Wednesday, 3 December 2025.

2 October

The Bishop of Derby is delighted to announce that the Revd Christopher (Chris) Neilson, interim Priest-in-Charge of the benefice of Whitfield, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed to the same benefice on a permanent basis. This took effect on 25 September 2025.

The secondment arrangement with the Diocese of Leicester, whereby Carolyn Shoyer has been Director of Education for the Diocese of Derby, is concluding on 31st October 2025. Carolyn will return to her role as Director of Education in the Diocese of Leicester fulltime. We thank Carolyn for her leadership of Derby Diocesan Board of Education for the past 4 years. Liz Seymour, currently Deputy Director of Education, will become interim Acting Director of Education effective 1 November 2025.

The Bishop of Derby is delighted to announce that the Venerable Matthew Trick, Archdeacon of Derby City and South Derbyshire and Residential Canon of Derby Cathedral, Diocese of Derby, has also been appointed Acting Archdeacon of East Derbyshire from 1 October 2025.