The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Revd Canon Raymond Adams has been appointed Acting Area Dean of Swindon, effective from 1 April.
Raymond, who is vicar of St John Haydon Wick, takes over the role from Revd Capt Clive Deverell. Raymond will hold the post for six months in the first instance.
Following curacies in Blackpool and Burnley, Raymond originally moved to Swindon in 1990 intending to stay for just seven years. Instead, he has been at St John’s for 30 years.
He holds a number of posts in the Diocese of Bristol, including a member of Bishop’s Council, Chair of the House of Clergy at Diocesan Synod, Chair of the Bristol- Uganda Link and a member of the Diocesan Safeguarding Steering Group. He is also an Honorary Canon at Bristol Cathedral.
Raymond is married to Alison and they have three grown-up children. His hobbies include studying languages and fishing.
He said: “It feels very odd to be taking on this role at a time when services of worship are suspended. Nonetheless, I am looking forward to continuing Clive’s excellent work.”
There are seven deaneries in the Diocese of Bristol. Area Deans play a key role in helping resource parishes as they implement the diocesan vision and priorities, as well as reporting to the Bishop on any significant matters arising from their churches.
Bishop Viv said: “We are clearly living in exceptional times. I am delighted, therefore, that Raymond has agreed to take on this role in an acting capacity. This will ensure that we have appropriate practical and spiritual leadership in Swindon Deanery at a critical moment.It will also give us breathing space to consult in slower time to make a permanent Area Dean appointment to the Deanery.
“I would like to pay tribute to the outgoing Area Dean, Clive Deverell. His passion and commitment to the role has been exemplary. Clive has made a really special contribution to the Deanery and though he will continue to make a contribution in other ways, he will be much missed in terms of holding this particular office.”