archdeacons’ visitation news
Dear Churchwardens
We want to begin by expressing our heartfelt gratitude for your dedicated service as churchwardens. The many tasks you take on, often behind the scenes, yet always meaningful, are truly inspiring. From warmly welcoming visitors to ensuring each service runs smoothly, your commitment enriches our community and creates a welcoming space for all. Your selfless contributions help keep our churches thriving as vibrant places of worship and fellowship.
That said, we understand the role of a churchwarden can sometimes feel overwhelming, particularly during challenging times. The weight of responsibility can take its toll, leaving us all in need of renewed vision and inspiration. This edition of the Visitation News is designed to offer just that – fresh perspectives and encouragement. We will focus on diocesan priorities that offer great potential for growth and renewal.
We’ve been delighted to hear about the exciting Growing Younger initiatives that have been taking place across the Diocese. From Experience Christmas and Experience Easter to Open the Book projects, new Messy Church gatherings, and toddler groups, the impact has been truly remarkable. Hundreds of children and young people have been involved, creating lasting memories and helping church families build stronger connections and flourishing communities being established. Parishes are also forging new partnerships with local groups, bringing life and energy to churches and their surrounding areas in creative and meaningful ways, driving growth, engagement, and vitality within our church community.
This year, we’re excited to share some insightful articles of environmental inspiration on how we can all embrace Being Greener. Our church communities continue to evolve and thrive, embracing a spirit of renewal and deepening our commitment to care for the world around us.
In addition to these inspiring stories, we are pleased to announce a series of training events for churchwardens this year. These sessions are designed to equip you with practical tools and valuable insights to support you in your vital role. Be sure to stay updated through the Diocesan website for further details and event announcements.
This edition of Archdeacons’ Visitation News is filled with articles and stories designed to uplift and encourage you, offering both practical advice and spiritual support as you carry out your responsibilities. Your invaluable work behind the scenes is essential to the life of our churches and community, and we are deeply grateful for your unwavering dedication.
Thank you for all you do, both seen and unseen, to serve your church and community.
With heartfelt gratitude, Matthew, Karen and Nicky
The Ven Matthew Trick Archdeacon of Derby City and South Derbyshire
The Ven Nicky Fenton Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales
The Ven Karen Hamblin Archdeacon of East Derbyshire
Faith and Climate Network at St Helen’s
A Step Towards a Sustainable Future
In January, 27 people gathered at St Helen’s Church in Grindleford for an inspiring Faith and Climate network meeting, where they learned about a groundbreaking project that blends sustainability with heritage. This initiative involved replacing the church’s roof, installing solar panels, and implementing various energysaving measures, marking a significant step toward a sustainable future for both the church and the surrounding community.
Participants from churches across Hope Valley, including representatives from Buxton, Chinley, and Bakewell, attended the meeting to explore the project’s potential. Early reports suggest that the energy generated by the solar panels will meet the electricity needs of both the church and its community shop, which shares the building. Surplus energy will be sold to the grid, benefiting the local community while helping St Helen’s move closer to its net-zero emissions goal.
The project’s successful integration of modern technology with a heritage building has inspired many in the region. It demonstrates that sustainability and preserving heritage need not be mutually exclusive. The church is now set to serve as a model for other communities looking to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining the historical significance of their buildings.
A special thank you goes to Liz Baily, who shared her invaluable experience of guiding the project to completion. The Grindleford PCC is keen to support others considering similar initiatives. They are offering resources, including slides that provide an overview of the project, its budget, and the partners involved, to help guide those looking to embark on similar sustainable projects. Please contact Emily Woodhouse emily.woodhouse@derby.anglican.org who will be able to put in you in touch with Grindleford PCC if you would like more information.
For anyone in the Grindleford area, a visit to St Helen’s Church and Grindleford Community Shop, which is based in the vestry and sells light refreshments, in addition to groceries, is highly recommended. Take a moment to admire the beautiful new roof and solar panels, and witness firsthand the positive impact of this innovative project.
Navigating the Faculty Process: A Guide for Churches
The Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches (DAC) is a statutory body set up under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction, which provides advice and guidance on the care of churches and churchyards.
Making changes to church buildings, contents or grounds requires submission of a faculty application (a request for permission) to the Chancellor of the Diocese. Faculties are issued by the Chancellor or the Archdeacons, taking the DAC’s advice into account.
Before making any change to your church building, contents or churchyard, please enquire regarding the necessary permission. Email dac@derby.anglican.org , and we will be happy to advise you.
A new Building Management System will be introduced in autumn 2025 which will replace the current Online Faculty System. The new system is similar in terms of process, but it will include additional functionality for DACs, Registrars, Chancellors, external consultees and advisers to manage Faculty cases, and it has been designed specifically to be more intuitive for PCC members to use to submit Faculty applications. Updates regarding training, how to register for the system and how active Faculty cases will be transferred to the new system will all follow and be posted on the DAC webpage, as further information is received from the national Church.
Many churches are looking at replacement of their heating systems, particularly as the Church of England works to achieve net zero carbon. The DAC has produced guidance for churches to assist them as they explore various options and think about what might be most appropriate for their context. Both a guidance document and a flowchart can be found on the DAC webpage. These include links to webinar recordings, case studies, the ChurchCare heating checklist and the Practical Path to Net Zero. The guidance will take you from the first steps of exploring potential heating solutions through to what you will need to submit in support of a Faculty application for new heating.
If you have any questions about the Faculty process, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
You will find the DAC webpage here: derby.anglican.org/en/church-admin/dac Kat Alldread, DAC Secretary 01332 388683 dac@derby.anglican.org
Support and resources for Churchwardens from Ecclesiastical
Ecclesiastical understands that volunteering for the role of Churchwarden and supporting your church can be a demanding job. Managing a treasured building and ensuring that it’s a safe place for your congregation to worship, visit and enjoy can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Ecclesiastical church support managers
At no additional cost, Church Support Managers are there for their Ecclesiastical church customers. Providing tailored help and training to support church insurance needs, they can offer guidance on risk management, health and safety legislation and direct you to online resources. They can also deliver online and in-person group training sessions around topics including the basics of insurance, fire safety, fundraising, climate change and net zero, open churches and theft of metal.
Heather Ford – Church Support Manager for the North.
Heather has roots in the Church, having previously worked for the Diocese of Manchester, and understands the demands of church life. Heather is passionate about supporting churches to understand how insurance can help, rather than hinder, to enable people to focus on their ministry and thrive.
Joseph Davies – Church Support Manager for the South.
Joseph is very much part of the Church family – his father was a parish priest, his mother a hospital chaplain, his wife was recently ordained as a curate, and he spent nine years as a verger at Salisbury and Ely Cathedrals.
Fundraising hub
Fundraising plays a key role in boosting finances for your church. Ecclesiastical’s fundraising hub offers user-friendly support guides which take you from ‘where to start’ through to ‘key factors for successful fundraising’ and everything in between.
If you have an Ecclesiastical policy, you can also contact their fundraising helpline, to arrange a call back from their expert team.
0345 601 9959 ecclesiastical.com/church/fundraising
Ecclesiastical’s plain English guides
If you are looking for help in areas such as legal expenses, building work, or outreach, Ecclesiastical has a range of easy to understand Made Simple Guides to help, and their comprehensive document library is full of useful tools like risk assessment templates and Guidance Notes.
e cclesiastical.com/ church/#madesimple
Ecclesiastical church insurance team
Do you have questions about your Ecclesiastical policy?
0345 777 3322 – lines are open 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays churchteam@ecclesiastical.com
Risk Advice Helpline
Are you looking for advice on how to minimise risks as you manage your church?
0345 600 7531 – lines are open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays risk.advice@ecclesiastical.com
A claims team that really cares
Ecclesiastical’s claims team are experts.
0345 603 8381 – 24-hour reporting service ecclesiastical.com/claims/claim-online
Ecclesiastical
Fundraising is crucial for sustaining church activities and initiatives. I am always delighted to offer guidance on effective fundraising strategies. We have an excellent online Fundraising Hub which has lots of information about how to get started and how to keep going on your fundraising journey.
meetus@ecclesiastical.com ecclesiastical.com/church/church-support-managers
Do you have a story for Ecclesiastical? Perhaps you overcame a fundraising problem or found a way to get your local community more involved with your church. Sharing ‘a day in your life’ could really help other Churchwardens and members of the PCC. meetus@ecclesiastical.com
Heather Ford
Joseph Davies
Month-by-month support
To help you plan maintenance and manage your church and its grounds, Ecclesiastical has created a calendar to keep you organised and on track – you can download your copy using this link: ecclesiastical.com/risk-calendar
Get monthly tips straight to your inbox
Join the community of church leaders who receive Ecclesiastical’s monthly e-newsletter. It’s packed with valuable advice about church security, event planning, fundraising and more.
Many of Ecclesiastical’s customers already benefit from this e-newsletter, and we hope you’ll join them.
Feel free to share the sign-up link with others in your church community who might be interested.
Why should net zero be a focus for churches?
A Q&A with the Church of England
In 2024, our Group’s charitable owner, Benefact Trust, pledged £1.5m towards the Church of England’s ambitious goal of reaching net zero by 2030. Benefact Trust’s funding is focused on equipping and inspiring churches across the UK to start their journey to net zero and reduce their impact on the environment.
Benefact Trust sat down with Julian Atkins, Net Zero Programme Director for the Church of England, to talk through some of the most commonly asked questions about the Church’s net zero goal.
Whilst many of us want to play an active role in tackling climate change, the prospect can seem overwhelming due to the scale of the issue, the urgency to take action and the abundance of complicated information. In Benefact Trust’s short Q&A with Julian, he emphasises how important it is to keep things simple and start small.
Julian discusses what net zero actually means, why the Church has a responsibility to reduce its impact on the climate and low-cost ways to get started. Watch ‘Net Zero and the Church’ on Benefact Trust’s YouTube channel: youtube.com/@benefacttrust
Here you’ll find a host of helpful videos, including a full podcast with Julian Atkins.
Julian Atkins
Ecclesiastical supports sabbaticals
Ecclesiastical aims to support Anglican clergy by offering financial assistance for life-affirming sabbaticals through their Ministry Bursary Awards (MBAs).
Established in 1987, these awards have distributed over £1.4 million, benefiting more than 1,500 clergy members. An MBA can rejuvenate and enhance the ministerial development of clergy, offering them opportunities to engage in extended study, travel, or other enriching activities that can have a lasting impact on their personal growth and to the ministering of their congregations.
The Revd Adam Dickens is a recent recipient of such an MBA and he told Ecclesiastical:
I was very grateful for the MBA grant as it facilitated my sabbatical visit to Kolkata and wider West Bengal where I spent a month engaging with projects run by the Cathedral Relief Service of Kolkata Cathedral, as well as visiting various establishments that came under the ambit of the Diocese of Calcutta; these included churches, schools, colleges, a TB clinic, an AIDs hospice and a residential home.
It was an extremely rich time as I was offered a window into the joy and despair of life for people living in the city (as well as some of the rural areas in the state of West Bengal) and the creative ways in which church communities were responding. It provided interaction with a very different culture to the one I’m used to inhabiting, with all the challenges and growth that comes with it.
The application window for the 2026 MBA programme opens in spring 2025 and closes in September 2025. In 2026, we are particularly keen to see more sabbaticals which aim to support the drive for carbon net zero.
If you would like to find out more about the Awards, including eligibility criteria and application details, please visit:
ecclesiastical.com/mba
Give yourself a financial health check
In today’s world, with the high cost of living and rising taxation, it’s more important than ever to ensure your finances are in top shape.
Expert advice for clergy
Ben Dabbs, an independent financial adviser with Ecclesiastical Financial Advisory Service (EFAS), emphasises the importance of financial planning for clergy.
“With little time available for clergy in their busy lives to focus on themselves, it’s important for them to seek expert advice to manage their finances effectively and ensure their personal well-being and that of their dependants is planned and catered for,” he explains. “Too often, clergy members will delay financial planning until the twilight of their ministry, which can lead to unnecessary hardship.”
Plan ahead with confidence
To help you review your financial arrangements, such as life assurance, pension savings, investments, mortgage options 1 and retirement planning, it’s worthwhile seeking expert advice from an independent financial adviser who understands your circumstances and can put in place a plan to help give you peace of mind for the future.
If you would like to arrange a financial health check or receive a brochure providing information about the advice and services available, please contact EFAS at:
0800 107 0190 getadvice@ecclesiastical.com ecclesiastical.com/financial-advice
1 Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage. The value of your investments including pension investments can fluctuate, and you may not get back the amount you invested. Your capital is at risk.
Ben Dabbs
St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Join the Movement for Good
Ecclesiastical is part of the Benefact Group and we do financial services differently – we give all available profits to charity and good causes. It’s thanks to our customers that we can make this happen.
The Movement for Good Awards is our annual giving programme and anyone can get involved. The Awards give you the opportunity to nominate the charitable causes that matter most to you.
We’re proud to have supported churches, Scouts groups, food banks, hospices, heritage charities and more, all nominated by their supporters.
How to nominate a charity or church to win £1,000
1. Visit movementforgood.com/ecclesiastical
2. Nominate before 15 December 2025. Your nomination will be included in all the remaining £1,000 draws in 2025, so the earlier you nominate, the more chances you have. It’s one nomination per charity, per person, so you can get as many as you like in the mix.
3. Further down the page, there are resources you can personalise and share with your colleagues and congregation to encourage more nominations.
4. K eep scrolling to sign up for notifications, including special £5,000 draws and larger awards through partnership funding.
Trust Ecclesiastical to insure your home and give back to your church!
As a church official, your home could serve as both a living space and a place for your ministry. You might host prayer meetings and counselling sessions from your home, or even help parishioners plan weddings and funerals. You will be supporting your parishioners throughout the years, and Ecclesiastical Insurance is there to support you, with their tailored home insurance policies.
A home insurance policy from Ecclesiastical Insurance can be adapted to suit the needs of the clergy in your work on behalf of the Church, or the general needs of your congregation and community.
Ecclesiastical Home Insurance
Ecclesiastical Home Insurance provides up to £750,000 for buildings and £75,000 for contents as standard. This cover includes protection for your home, personal belongings and even contents away from home up to £3,500. Additionally, 24-hour home emergency assistance and legal expenses are included, helping to ensure you are covered in unexpected situations.
But there is more!
When you take out a new home insurance policy with Ecclesiastical, they will donate £130 to an Anglican church or cathedral of your choice 1 – this programme has already contributed over £500,000, to churches across the country.
You can trust Ecclesiastical. They regularly win coveted awards for their home insurance products. In November last year, they retained their top spot in the Fairer Finance Home Insurance league table for a record twentieth time and remain the UK’s most trusted home insurance provider! 2 Importantly, in today’s online world, they also have an ‘Excellent’ score on Trustpilot too. 3
When you talk to the friendly experts at Ecclesiastical’s UK-based Head Office, they will work with you to make sure that your home and its contents are well-protected against a variety of risks. By choosing Ecclesiastical, you’re not just insuring your home; you could also be helping your church. Call us today!
0345 777 3322 and quote CHOPS25 ecclesiastical.com/homeinsurance
You’ll also find more information about the Awards, including the terms and conditions at: movementforgood.com/tc
Best of luck!
1 Terms and conditions apply. Visit ecclesiastical.com/trust130terms. 2 Fairer Finance Home Insurance customer experience rating, spring and autumn 2015 – 2024. 3 Trustpilot reviews – 419 between 1 February 2023 – 14 April 2025. Correct at time of going to print.
Being a Churchwarden
Guidance, Support, and Training Opportunities
As a churchwarden, you play an invaluable role in your church community. From overseeing services to maintaining the church building, your responsibilities are wide-ranging and often behind the scenes. Fortunately, you’re not alone, there’s plenty of support available whether you’re new to the role or a seasoned churchwarden.
Getting Help and Involving Others
One key aspect of being a churchwarden is building a team. Encouraging involvement from others in your congregation helps share the workload and fosters a sense of community. Look for people with skills or interests that align with the needs of the church, whether it’s organising events, helping with fundraising, or assisting with maintenance. You can also reach out to nearby churches and benefices to share ideas and collaborate on projects, which can bring fresh perspectives and resources. There is also a monthly communication sent out by the Diocese that includes news and helpful articles. If you are not currently receiving this, please contact the Parish Support Team for assistance.
Where to Find Guidance
Being a churchwarden can be a complex and demanding role, but there are resources to guide you. The Diocese offers a wealth of materials on churchwarden responsibilities, legal requirements, and best practices. The Diocesan website is an excellent starting point for advice and support.
derby.anglican.org/churchwardens
Training Opportunities
The Diocese is committed to offering ongoing training for churchwardens to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need. Whether you’re new to the role or want to enhance your skills, there are various training events held throughout the year. Topics include Leading Worship & Intercessions, Eco Church initiatives, Wellbeing, and practical tips for the daily responsibilities of a churchwarden.
Support for the Journey Ahead
Remember, while being a churchwarden is both rewarding and demanding, the right training, guidance, and support will help you thrive in this role. Thank you for your dedication; your commitment ensures that our churches remain vibrant, welcoming, and vital to the communities they serve.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Parish Support Team who will be happy to assist you and your churches. derby.anglican.org/en/about-us/who-s-who
Supporting the Diocese’s Commitment to a Greener Future
The Diocese of Derby has been dedicated to tackling climate change for several years, encouraging both collective and individual actions to help combat climate change. In response to the General Synod’s call in February 2020 to accelerate efforts to reduce emissions and take urgent steps towards achieving net zero carbon by 2030, the Derby Diocesan Synod voted in November 2023 to fully support the declaration of a global climate crisis. This commitment led to the creation of the Environmental Engagement Officer role to drive these vital environmental initiatives.
The Environmental Engagement Officer works closely with the Mission Evangelism and Parish Revitalisation team to develop and support projects that inspire and encourage individuals, churches, schools, and other Christian communities to care for creation, reduce carbon emissions, and act in response to the ongoing ecological breakdown.
They also coordinate the A Rocha Eco Diocese, Church, and School Award Scheme, helping parishes, churches, and schools progress through the Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. Additionally, they manage the Caring for God’s Acre initiative, supporting churches in assessing and caring for burial grounds, while guiding both churches and schools in reducing their emissions. This is achieved by overseeing the annual data collection through the Energy Footprint Tool, providing detailed analysis and reports, and fostering synergies between environmental action and net zero goals.
Through its Environmental Policy and Net Zero Action Plan, the Diocese of Derby is committed to becoming a greener, net zero carbon diocese by 2030, in alignment with the fifth mark of mission: To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the earth’s life. We continue to celebrate a wealth of inspiring eco stories, showcasing the positive impact of our collective efforts. By working together, the Diocese of Derby is making great strides toward a more sustainable future. Together, we can all play a part in responding to the urgent call to care for God’s creation and safeguard our planet for future generations.
If you would like the Environmental Engagement Officer to speak to your PCC about future initiatives and ideas. Please contact:
mission@derby.anglican.org
Growing Connections: The Acorn Community Garden at St John’s
Written by Revd Jo Harbidge-Summers, Curate at Walton, St John, with Holymoorside
The Acorn Community Garden at St John’s has been slowly growing in Walton since before the start of my curacy in 2022. After securing a five-year lease on a neglected plot of land beside the church, the team began transforming the overgrown, boggy field into a vibrant community garden. Early progress was slow, with volunteers tackling brambles and weeding newly planted hedgerows. The term ‘Muddy Church’ took on a new meaning as we worked alongside local farmers to manage the wet conditions, installing land drains and reshaping the earth.
By 2024, the garden’s development accelerated. Every Saturday morning, church members and local volunteers gathered to dig, plant, and care for the growing space. Raised beds became a focal point, with one cared for by a local resident producing a stunning display of sweet peas visible from Matlock Road. Other beds flourished with beans, chard, squash, tomatoes, and herbs, with a group of Guides planting their own herb bed. As the garden grew, so did the community interest, with passers-by stopping to offer advice, plants, and resources.
Alongside the raised beds, the garden began to take shape with the addition of a sensory garden, a prayer labyrinth, a fire pit, and a pond to encourage biodiversity. The garden quickly became a place
where churchgoers and local people could connect, and where people with different backgrounds could find a sense of belonging.
A turning point came with the addition of seating: old garden chairs and a table. This simple change turned Saturday coffee breaks into a community ritual, with everyone stopping to chat, share news, and build connections. The garden has proved a great space for people of different ages and backgrounds to work together – establishing friendships that wouldn’t have formed without it. As the garden grew, so did the group’s desire to share this experience with others.
In August, we officially welcomed the community to our Summer Open Day, inviting people to explore the garden’s progress, take a guided tour, and enjoy homemade cakes. The season ended in November with a Community Bonfire event, attracting over 200 people who gathered around the fire, sharing soup made by garden volunteers.
Looking ahead to spring 2025, we are excited for the garden’s continued evolution. Saturday working parties will resume in March, and we look forward to the new season bringing deeper connections and renewed hope within the community. We pray that the seeds of interest sown will grow into lasting relationships.
Save
the Dates
Sat 5th July 2025 – 9:30am to 1pm at St Thomas Church, Chesterfield – Training workshop
Sat 27th Sept 2025 – 9:30am to 1pm at St Barnabas Centre, Danesmoor – Training workshop
Sat 8th Nov 2025 – 9am to 10am – Q&A session with the Archdeacons – online
Thurs 29th Jan 2026 – 7:30-8:30pm – Q&A session with the Archdeacons – online
For more details on training sessions, visit the Diocesan website. These events offer valuable knowledge, networking opportunities, and a chance to share ideas with fellow churchwardens.
For more information
Call: 0345 777 3322 Email: churchteam@ecclesiastical.com Facebook: Ecclesiastical
Whilst Ecclesiastical has used reasonable endeavours to ensure that the information in this newsletter is correct at the time of publication, please note: (a) the information is not intended to constitute a definitive or complete statement of the law on any subject, (b) the information may over the course of time become incorrect or out of date; and (c) neither Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc. nor its subsidiaries or parent company can accept any responsibility or liability for action taken or losses suffered as a result of reliance placed on the information provided in this newsletter.
Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc (EIO) Reg. No. 24869. Benefact Group plc Reg. No. 01718196. Benefact Trust Limited Reg. No. 1043742. Benefact Trust Limited is a Charity registered in England and Wales with Reg. No. 263960. Ecclesiastical Financial Advisory Services Ltd (EFAS) Reg. No. 2046087. Ecclesiastical Planning Services Limited (EPSL) Reg. No. 2644860. South Essex Insurance Brokers Limited (SEIB) Reg. No. 06317314. All companies are registered in England at Benefact House, 2000 Pioneer Avenue, Gloucester Business Park, Brockworth, Gloucester, GL3 4AW, United Kingdom. EIO is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Firm Reference Number 113848. EFAS, EPSL and SEIB are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Firm Reference Numbers 126123 (EFAS), 958152 (EPSL) and 47947 (SEIB).