Clergy Moves and Notices

July 2026 - The following have been announced since May 2026:

APPOINTMENTS

GRAY                     Ruth Michelle    

Assistant Curate in the parish of Stockton Heath (0412), in the deanery of Great Budworth, to be Incumbent of the parish of Northwich St Helen (Witton) (0618), in the Deanery of Middlewich, with effect from 1 September 2026.

GREEN                   Mark Richard     

Previously held PTO in Chester Diocese, now Assistant Curate, to be known as Associate Minister, of the parishes of Barnton (0403), in the deanery of Great Budworth and Northwich St Luke (Winnington) (0611), in the deanery of Middlewich, with effect from 22 June 2026.

MITCHELL             Claire                   

Currently Assistant Curate of the parish of Amington St Editha, in the Diocese of Birmingham, to be Vicar of the parish of Great Sutton (0908), in the Deanery of Wirral South, with effect from 8 September 2026.

OLUSHONDE        Adeyinka             

Currently Assistant Curate of the parish of All Saints, Childwall, in the Diocese of Liverpool, to be Vicar of the parish of Gee Cross (1604), in the Deanery of Mottram, with effect from 21 September 2026.

PWAISIHO             Kate Kome          

Curate in the benefice of Grappenhall (0405), in the Deanery of Great Budworth, to be Incumbent of the parish of Great Meols (0804), in the Deanery of Wirral North, with effect from 13 October 2026.

RUSTON                Amy Jean Grace 

Currently Assistant Curate in the parish of Alderley Edge (1403), in the Deanery of Knutsford, to be Incumbent of the parish of Lymm (0411), in the Deanery of Great Budworth, with effect from 09 September 2026.

SMITH                   Joseph Paul        

Formerly Priest-in-Charge of the parish of Bidston (0101), in the Deanery of Birkenhead, now Vicar, with effect from 27 July 2026.

RESIGNATIONS/LEAVERS

HUPFIELD             Timothy            

Formerly Vicar at the parishes of St Martin’s, Low Marple (1106) and St Paul’s, Compstall (or Werneth) (1109), and Diocesan Healing Advisor, now Priest in Charge and Oversight Minister at the Friendly Faith Mission Area (Wadworth with Loversall, Balby, and Warmsworth), in the Diocese of Sheffield, with effect from 7 July 2026.

MACKRIELL           Joanne Margaret        

Remaining as Priest in Charge of Daresbury (0404), in the deanery of Great Budworth, resigning as Vicar of Walton (0415), in the deanery of Great Budworth, with effect from 31 August 2026.

ROWAN                 Samuel Geoffrey        

Currently Assistant Curate at Rock Ferry (0107), in the deanery of Birkenhead, resigning with effect from 31 August 2026.

RETIREMENTS

ATACK                   Elaine                  

Formerly Vicar of the Parish of Frodsham (0304), in the deanery of Frodsham, retired with effect from 30 June 2026.

DEATHS

We are sorry to have to report the death of the following members of clergy.  Our sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time.

MILLS                    Peter James        

Prior to ordination Mr Mills served the Diocese of Chester as Diocesan Secretary in the 1990's.  He was ordained Deacon in Chester Diocese in 1999 and Priest in 2000. Revd Mills served as a Non-Stipendiary Minister at Holy Cross, Woodchurch (Chester Diocese) from 1999 until his retirement in 2003. He continued to serve in Chester Diocese with Permission to Officiate from 2003 until 2022.  Died 26 May 2026.

STRATTON   Henry William (Harry)

Revd Stratton was ordained Deacon in Gloucester Diocese in 1983 and Priest in 1984. He served as a Non-Stipendiary Minister at Cainscross with Selsley, Gloucester Diocese (1983 - 1987). He then moved to be Curate at Odd Rode, Chester Diocese (1987 - 1992), then taking up his first incumbency as Vicar of Holy Trinity Runcorn, Chester Diocese (1992 - 1996). His final incumbency was as Vicar of Lostock Gralam from 1996 to 2005, after which he retired. He continued to serve in Chester Diocese with Permission to Officiate from 2005 to 2019.  Died 1 May 2026.

WOOD                   Richard James    

Revd Wood was ordained Deacon in Chelmsford Diocese in 2008 and Priest in 2009. He served his first curacy at St Peter and St Paul Dagenham, Chelmsford Diocese (2008 – 2009). His second curacy was at Christ Church Leyton, Chelmsford Diocese (2009 - 2012). He then became Priest-in-Charge at St Cynwyl Aberporth with Blaenporth with Betws Ifan, St David’s Diocese, Church in Wales (2012 - 2014). In 2012 he also gained Permission to Officiate in Bangor Diocese, which was still ongoing at the time of his death. He became a non-stipendiary minister as St Catherine Tranmere, Chester Diocese (2016 - 2019). From 2019 - 2024 he held Permission to officiate in Chester Diocese. Died 16 May 2026

Dated: 15 July 2026