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.

>> See video on Twitter

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. 

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.

Canon Linda Wainscot, formerly Director of Education for the Diocese of Coventry, will take up the position as Interim Diocesan Director of Education for two days a week during the Spring term 2021. 

Also, Dr Alison Brown will continue to support headteachers and schools, offering one and two days a week as required, ensuring their Christian Distinctiveness within the diocese. 

Both roles will be on a consultancy basis, starting in January 2021.

Linda wainscot writes:

Having had a long career in education, I retired in August 2020 from my most recent role as Diocesan Director of Education (DDE) for the Diocese of Coventry (a post I held for almost 20 years). 

Prior to this, I was a teacher and senior leader in maintained and independent schools and an FE College as well as being involved in teacher training.

In addition to worshipping in Rugby, I am privileged to be an Honorary Canon of Coventry Cathedral. 

As DDE I was responsible for leading a team that provided statutory and non-statutory services for Church of England Schools, established Multi-Academy Trusts, successfully bid to open St Gabriel’s CofE Academy and, as a member of the Bishop’s Core Staff Team, played a wider role across the parishes, cathedral and chaplaincies, ensuring that the place of CofE Schools remained at the heart of strategic planning. 

For two years I was the chair of the Anglican Association of Directors of Education.

At the heart of my philosophy for education is my passion that every young person and adult connected with Church of England schools might experience the love of God in a tangible and life-giving way.

I am honoured to have been asked to support the Diocese of Derby, the DBE and its family of schools and academies for the Spring Term and look forward to 'meeting' and working with you.

Clearly, in this difficult season of COVID19, our interactions will largely be limited to ZOOM etc.  However, I am confident that will not prevent meaningful and positive working relationships.

Sarah Warburton, a parishioner at St Michael’s Church in Breaston, was one of around 40 people from the across the Diocese of Derby to be recognised for their work during the Covid-19 pandemic and awarded a Bishop’s Badge. A special service was live-streamed on Zoom from Derby Cathedral where Bishop Libby officially gave recognition and presented the awards.

Sarah was recognised for her work in leading and coordinating the Covid-19 street leaders in Breaston, providing support for the vulnerable and setting up and leading a food collection service for local food charities.

Sarah said she felt incredibly lucky to be awarded the Bishop's Badge: “It certainly feels like I received the Bishop’s Badge on behalf of a fabulous team of volunteers, without whom we definitely wouldn’t have been able to do everything that we have done in Breaston. I collected it on behalf of a group of people especially those who helped make the scheme possible, including Richard Warburton, my Husband, Paul Stuttle, Jo Whitehead and Revd Chris Smedley – vicar at St Michaels Breaston.”

When it looked like a lockdown was likely, St Michael’s Church had a meeting with the Parish Council, the Breaston community forum, the Good Neighbour Scheme and the Methodist Church about how they could respond in the village to help the community. Flyers were sent to each house offering help with shopping, post and prescription collections. Such was the hugely positive response that shortly after 130 volunteers had registered. 

The group’s ambitious goal of having a leader on every street in the village was achieved within a week and when things quietened down, the network organised a food collection for the Canaan Trust and the Long Eaton and Sawley Foodbank.

Sarah said: “There were just so many incredible stories coming out of what was happening in the village. One lady was shopping for 10 elderly neighbours and that was at the time that the restrictions were in place.” 

Sarah really hopes that the community spirit will continue: “We have been at St Michael’s Church for three years and during that time we have seen so many volunteers from the church being active in the community. At the time of the pandemic, many of those were forced to isolate, so it’s been a really good time for the younger generation to step up and get involved to do their part.” 

“We’ve now got the network and hope to continue it. We have a food collection planned for Christmas and with the second wave we have been in contact with everyone again to see if they are available to help and have again received such a great response.”

This year, Bishop's Badges were awarded to nominees who have supported their churches and local communities during the pandemic. The recipients were nominated by clergy in the diocese.

Other recipients this year include Jim Morton of Ripley, who provided online worship opportunities through digital church, social media and zoom and also built an Alexa app to make worship available on smart speakers; Enid Glassey, Lewis Marriott and Pamela Marriott for outstanding volunteering work helping with the Cresswell Breakfast club feeding vulnerable families in our parish during Covid-19; Claire Henley for being a key team member and leader of the Food Hub work at St Alkmund's, Derby, organising care packages that have been delivered to members of the church and local communities; and a vast number of other volunteers who have provided pastoral care, online services and other support, including chaplaincy and hospital visits. and 

The Bishop's Badge has historic links, based on a medal that the very first Bishop of Derby, Bishop Edmund Pearce, had struck to celebrate this new beginning.

Medals were presented to distinguished members of the Diocese and to all those being confirmed in that year. 

Now, it is a replica of this medal that is mounted in the form of a badge and awarded by the diocesan bishop to acknowledge outstanding service.