Archdeacon of Salop

23/08/2026

Two very different services today - Morning Worship at St Bartholemew's in Longdon-on-Tern this morning (on the eve of his festival tomorrow), and Choral Evensong at Lichfield Cathedral - where we kept the theme on St Bartholemew thanks to the choir from St Bartholemew's in Penn. The particular reason for being there was to honour Eglantyne Jebb, founder of Save the Children, at the 150th anniversary of her birth. Eglantyne (who has her own day in the calendar, on 17 December) was from Ellesmere, and it was good to be joined by our deputy lieutenants for Shropshire, Maj. Gen. John and Claire Crackett - whose initiative led to the occasion being marked in this way. Thanks to Dean Jan and the Cathedral team.

By the way, you've got another week to visit the Whales at the Cathedral! They're there until the end of the month.

16/08/2026

Thanks to the congregation of St Michael’s, Loppington, for welcoming me as we worshipped this morning, although their entries to the village scarecrow festival were a slight shock as I came in to church. (Guess the film…)

Special thanks to Felicity for the lovely card and message.

27/06/2026

Do you have thoughts about what we need in our next Bishop of Lichfield? There's an opportunity to contribute your views at Telford Minster on 1 July, 6.30pm for 7pm. Everyone is welcome to this open meeting, so please share the date!

You can find out more about the consultations at https://www.lichfield.anglican.org/vacancy-in-see--consultation-events.php.

The process for identifying the next Bishop of Lichfield is under way, and there are myriad opportunities to be part of that conversation.

There are four in-person events scheduled around the diocese starting this Wednesday in Penkridge, and a dozen others online each with slightly different focus.

Details of the events are at www.lichfield.anglican.org/ViSevents and more about the whole process at www.lichfield.anglican.org/ViS26

10/05/2026

Thanks to the congregation of St Lucia’s, Upton Magna, for the welcome this morning to worship! Wherever you are today, may you know the help and strength of the Holy Spirit (John 15:17-21).

30/03/2026

A few photos from yesterday's benefice service for Palm Sunday at Tibberton.

Look out for the role of Rector here, to be advertised after Easter. I can recommend the enthusiastic singing, the friendly congregation and the soup-and-dessert lunch after the service...

23/02/2026

Yesterday we celebrated Shropshire Day, as we commemorate our county's patron, St Milburga. The bishops of Lichfield, Hereford and Shrewsbury led one service in two churches - St Mary's in Jackfield (Hereford Diocese) and St Mary's in Sutton Maddock (Lichfield Diocese) with a three-mile walk between, crossing the Severn at Coalport. The pilgrims (including the Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff) were blessed with a beautiful afternoon!

14/02/2026

If you’re free, do join us for part or all of this event - and do pray for our county!

Join the celebrations for Shropshire Day 2026!

Each February, the ceremonial county of Shropshire celebrates Shropshire Day on 23 February, which is the feast day of Saint Milburga, the county’s patron saint.

This year a special event is being planned to mark the occasion – a three location Church of England service spanning the River Severn on Sunday 22 February 2026. Find out more by clicking the link in the comments.

08/02/2026

A good morning in the Haughmond and Wrekin benefice today (if you're interested in being their Team Rector, drop me a message...). Matins at St Mary, Eaton Constantine, with fantastic views over the valley, a drive past the Wrekin then (after one route blocked by a spectacular flood) to St Michael and All Angels, High Ercall for communion. Thanks to the diversion, I was cutting it fine, which made it a good time to listen to my own sermon, not worry and 'consider the flowers of the field'.

Wherever you're spending your Sunday, may you be blessed!

18/01/2026

Three very different sanctuaries from three places I’ve had the privilege of preaching and speaking today - St Bartholemew’s in Tong for the Eucharist this morning (look out for the vacancy advert, coming soon…), Holy Trinity in Uffington this afternoon for their reopening celebration after major building work, then this evening at All Saints’ in Wellington for a service to begin the week of prayer for Christian unity. I love the variety of our church buildings and communities!