Bishop Jackie, the Acting Bishop of Derby, is delighted to announce that the Revd Sarah Watson has accepted her invitation to be the Acting Archdeacon of Derby City and South Derby.

Sarah will remain the Priest in Charge in the Benefices of Allestree St Edmund & Darley Abbey; Allestree St Nicholas; and Quarndon, Allestree.

She will legally be Assistant Archdeacon from Monday, 24 August 2026, and become Acting Archdeacon on Tuesday, 29 September 2026.

Sarah will be sharing her time between her parish and Archdeacon role.

Revd Sarah said "It is an honour to have accepted Bishop Jackie’s invitation to serve as Acting Archdeacon for Derby City and South Derbyshire.

Having lived in Derbyshire for nearly a quarter of a century and served in a variety of contexts and roles including as Area Dean for Derby City Deanery, I have greatly valued building relationships with clergy, parishes, schools, and community partners. I look forward to continuing those partnerships in this new role. I am looking forward to getting to know Mercia Deanery more closely and working alongside our churches and communities as we seek to make the gospel known and serve the people of Derby City and South Derbyshire.

 

I also want to express my gratitude to Archdeacon Matthew for all he has given to the Diocese of Derby and especially to the Archdeaconry. I am particularly thankful for his encouragement, wisdom and support during my tenure as Area Dean. I hold Matthew and his family in my prayers at this time of transition as they prepare for this new chapter of ministry and life".

Please pray for Sarah as she prepares to take on these new responsibilities.