Appointment of Acting Dean

FOLLOWING the retirement of John Davies as Dean of Wells, Bishop Michael has appointed the Venerable Anne Gell, currently Archdeacon of Wells, as Acting Dean of Wells.

Archdeacon Anne, who is already a Residentiary Canon of Wells and a member of Chapter, the governing body of the Cathedral, will take on the role from February 1. The Rev Charlie Peer, currently the Head of Mission Support & Ministry Development for the Diocese of Bath and Wells, will become Acting Archdeacon of Wells.

Commenting on the appointment, Bishop Michael said: “Anne will bring to the role of Acting Dean a wealth of skills and abilities in leadership, wisdom and care of the whole Cathedral community. We pray for Anne as she takes on this role and leads our Cathedral during the next year.”

Archdeacon Anne said: “It will be a privilege to be working more closely with the whole Cathedral team, the city and the county of Somerset, and I look forward to furthering these many relationships. I welcome the opportunity under God to develop our common life, to deliver needed change, and to reset the Cathedral as a place of welcome, acceptance and hope.”

Anne will hold the role of Acting Dean of Wells until a permanent dean is appointed, which is expected to be by the end of the year.

The Very Rev Dr John Davies retired as Dean of Wells on January 6.

He became the Dean of Wells in 2016 and during his tenure, worked to lead Wells Cathedral during a period of sustained change. His role was central in developing the work of the Cathedral and its outreach across the county of Somerset and beyond.

Bishop Michael said: “John’s stewardship of Wells Cathedral during the Covid pandemic and fundraising efforts during his tenure – innovative and sometimes personally perilous in equal measure – have increased the profile of the Cathedral and supported its financial position greatly.

“We are thankful for John’s hard work and contribution to the life of Wells Cathedral and the Diocese of Bath and Wells.”