19/05/2026
Announcement from our Rector:
Dear Friends,
After much prayer and reflection, I have decided to take early retirement and after 35 years of ordained ministry, including the last seven years serving here among you.
This has not been an easy decision, but recent changes to clergy pensions and retirement provisions have made it possible for me to consider stepping back at this stage. At the same time, the growing demands of holding together the three roles of Rector, Area Dean, and Associate Archdeacon have inevitably brought increasing pressures and their own joys and stresses.
It has been a great privilege to serve this parish, and I remain deeply grateful for your friendship, support, and faithfulness throughout these years. I have shared many joyful moments with you and will carry those memories with me into retirement.
I am delighted that I can leave the parish is such good order and that you will be guided by the continuing ministry of the Wardens and The Revd.Jeanette. It is important to realise she serves you in her own retirement and will need to draw on the ministry of other local clergy.
There will be opportunities in the coming weeks to say more personally, but for now I simply wanted you to hear from me directly and to thank you sincerely for the encouragement and kindness you have shown as you come to terms with this news.
Robert.