Items filtered by date: December 2015
28 November
The Bishop of Derby is delighted to announce that the Revd Gillian (Gill) Ball, Assistant Curate (SSM) of the benefice of Old Brampton and Great Barlow and of the benefice of Loundsley Green, The Ascension LEP, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Assistant Curate (Associate Priest-SSM) of the same benefice, subject to all legal and safeguarding requirements being fulfilled
21 November
Revd Matthew (Matt) Green will be instituted as Rector of the Benefice of Aston-on-Trent, Elvaston, Weston-on-Trent and Shardlow, Barrow-upon-Trent with Twyford and Swarkestone, on Saturday, 24 January 2026, at 3 pm at All Saints, Aston-on-Trent by the Bishop of Derby and inducted by the Archdeacon of Derby City and South Derbyshire, subject to all legal and safeguarding requirements being fulfilled.
Revd Frances (Fran) Smettem will be licensed as Priest-in-Charge of the benefice of Eyam with Foolow and Baslow, and Priest-in-Charge of the parishes of Curbar and Stoney Middleton, on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, at 7 pm at St Lawrence’s Eyam, by the Bishop of Derby, assisted by the Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales, subject to all legal and safeguarding requirements being fulfilled.
6 November
Canon Jack Cooper, Lay Canon of Derby Cathedral until 17th October, when his term of office came to an end, has been appointed Lay Canon Emeritus with effect from 18 October 2025.
The Revd Susannah (Susie) Curtis, Ordained Ministry Development Officer and holder of the Bishop of Derby’s Permission to Officiate, Diocese of Derby, has stepped down as Assistant Area Dean of Derby City. Her last day in this role was 14 September 2025.
The Revd Alan Winfield, Associate Priest of Melbourne, Smisby, Stanton-by-Bridge and Ticknall, Diocese of Debry, has been appointed Assistant Area Dean of Mercia. His first day in this role was 3 November 2025.
The Diocese of Derby Disability Inclusion Action Group (DIAG) successfully launched their recognisable symbols project; all housed in one website – www.accessiblechurch.net.
The symbols enable churches to make a positive difference by openly displaying the accessibility available to support worshippers with all kinds of disabilities and neurodiversity.
As a result of this project, Helen James, Disability Project Manager for the Church of England confirmed that the symbols will be made available for all parishes throughout all dioceses to use and implement.
They will feature in a free national webinar on Tuesday, 4 November 2025.
As the diocesan lead on the project, Bishop Malcolm Macnaughton said “‘All people, including those with all kinds of disabilities and neurodiversity’s, are made in God’s image, and called to be disciples of Jesus, reflecting God’s glory by the way we live. Church communities want to be welcoming and inclusive to everyone, but we struggle to make everything equally accessible for all needs. These symbols make this easier by making it clear to everyone what is possible in a particular church building and what is not. My prayer is that churches will find that communicating clearly helps people with a range of needs feel at home in church, and able to play their part. ‘
Carl Veal, Chair of DIAG, said “The Disability Inclusion Action Group comprises clergy and lay people with a range of disabilities, from across the Diocese of Derby. Their aim is to see disability inclusion taken seriously in our churches and across the Diocese. Their work is focused around three key themes - Attitude, Access, and Agency.”
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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
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 13th February 2026
Interview date: Tuesday 24th 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
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.
- The Cinnamon Network – Offers micro-grants (£2,000) for churches starting recommended projects, which could include staffing.
- John James Charitable Trust – Supports individuals in ministry training and Christian education; may support youth workers if aligned.
- Slavanka Trust – Supports Christian ministry and education, possibly including staffing.
- 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
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.”
