New Rector Appointed

I have received the following email from the Diocese:

“The Bishop is delighted to advise the Benefice that following the interview last week, he has offered the post of Rector of the Upper Stour and Maiden Bradley to The Rev’d Dr Graham Southgate, and Graham has accepted the offer.  Graham is currently the Team Rector of the Nadder Valley Team Ministry.  We will give details of the licensing service in due course, and this is likely to be in mid-January.  Please continue to pray for all those supporting the mission and ministry in these parishes; and also for Graham as he prepares to leave his parishes and move to your Benefice.”

I think we are very lucky to have attracted someone of such a high calibre as Graham. Among his many qualities, what sticks in my mind, are his willingness to engage with others – he is a very good listener; his enthusiasm for our schools, which we value very highly, as well as his support for lay ministry, which I think is important for the future of the Church of England.  I am sure that we will all welcome his ministry in the new Benefice.

I am grateful to all my colleagues for their support during this Interregnum, and it is wonderful to feel that it is nearing an end, and that we can hand the Parish over to Graham for his future Ministry.

Best wishes

Crin