Not one but two…..Welcome to our new Hall Chaplains!

Team Wandy: Wayne and Andy

In January I was pleased to receive a letter from The Most Reverend Mark Davies, Bishop of Middleton informing us that new Hall Chaplains were to be appointed and that the role would be shared between Revd Canon Andrea Jones and Licensed Lay Reader Wayne Darbyshire.

Andrea, or Andy as she likes to be known, is a Mancunian and was ordained in 2010 at Manchester Cathedral. Prior to ordination Andy worked for Tony Lloyd MP and was also an elected member and executive member with responsibility for education for Trafford Council.

Andy says, "Being part of SLEMS is a real opportunity to continue what I seek to be which is to be a  Christian presence in South Manchester and to reflect Christ in our lives."

In 2017 ministry took Andy to serve in the Church in Wales becoming the Rector of St Deiniol’s Church, Hawarden and latterly Canon Missioner at St Asaph Cathedral.

L-R: Wayne, Bishop Mark and Revd Canon Andy in St Anselm Hall Chapel

Wayne has strong local connections and serves as a Licensed Lay Minister (Reader) at the parish of St Chrysostom, Victoria Park. For many years Wayne has been involved in further education with young adults and recently that has involved working with the young adults in the parish in which St Anselm Hall sits.

Wayne says “The opportunity to serve as Chaplain at St Anselm’s is a real honour and I look forward to developing the life of the chapel for students and hall staff, of all faiths and none.”

The Licencing Ceremony for Andy and Wayne took place in the Hall Chapel in March with Bishop Mark presiding. The chapel was full of families, friends, students and University representatives and the atmosphere was both warm and welcoming – a sign of their approach to their ministry at St Anselm Hall.

Welcome to both Andy and Wayne and we look forward to supporting them in their important role at Slems.