After many years of faithful and fruitful ministry in our Diocese, the Venerable Karen Hamblin will retire as Archdeacon for East Derbyshire in September this year.
Karen grew up in London and Dorset, before studying for a degree at the University of Durham. She began her ministry in Derbyshire in 1983, serving as a lay leader and children’s and youth worker at St Alkmund’s Derby, alongside her career as a teacher.
She was ordained in 2007 after training at St John’s Nottingham. After her curacy at St John’s, Long Eaton, she has since served in ministry at Pilsley in the North Wingfield Team, Brampton St Mark’s in Chesterfield, and as Area Dean of North-East Derbyshire.
In 2022 she was appointed as Archdeacon for East Derbyshire, where she has encouraged and enabled churches in their missional response to the challenges and opportunities faced by post-industrial communities.
Reflecting on her ministry, Karen said:
“During the whole of my time in ordained ministry I have worked and served amongst the churches and communities of what is now the archdeaconry of East Derbyshire. It has been a privilege to do so. I have worked with some fabulous colleagues, lay and ordained, in Parishes, in the Parish Support Team and DBF and on the Senior Staff – thank you.
“The last few years have contained joy and challenge, hope and struggle for everyone but we trust in the immense faithfulness of God and continue to work and pray to see His Kingdom come in our lives, churches and communities across the Diocese.”
The Bishop of Derby, the Right Reverend Libby Lane added:
“Karen is a much loved and highly valued colleague. She has embodied in all the different ministries she has undertaken our diocesan values of generous faith, courageous hope and life-giving love. Her commitment to Christ and His church has inspired us.Her most recent ministry as Archdeacon of East Derbyshire, rooted in costly, prayerful accompaniment of people and places, has been transformational.
"I am grateful for all that Karen has offered. Please join me in praying for her and Andy over these coming months and as they prepare for retirement.”
There will be services to celebrate and mark Karen’s retirement in September. Further details will be published in due course.
Addendum
During the period of the vacancy following Karen’s retirement the Venerable Matthew Trick, Archdeacon for Derby City and South Derbyshire, will act as Archdeacon for East Derbyshire. Matthew will be supported by the Bishop of Repton, Rt Revd Malcolm McNaughton, the Venerable Nicky Fenton (Archdeacon for Derbyshire Peak and Dales) and the Area Deans.
The timetable and process for recruiting a new Archdeacon for East Derbyshire will include engagement with the archdeaconry on their hopes for the new archdeacon during May and June. The advertisement for initial expressions of interest will be released in July, ready for a discussion with Bishop Libby on her return from sabbatical in early August. Interviews are planned for September 2025 with the hope of appointing the successful candidate in December 2025.
