Bishop John has appointed Ann Waizeneker and Guy Hewlett as new joint Deans of Retired Clergy. Ann and Guy (along with Associate Dean Fiona Rice) will support retired clergy and bereaved clergy partners currently living in the Diocese by being an initial point of contact and planning occasional events through the year. They take over from Chris Liley and Judith Oliver who both held the role for a number of years.
Ann Waizeneker has recently moved into the Diocese following her retirement from stipendiary ministry at the end of January 2022 after nearly 10 years as vicar of two churches in Shoreham by Sea, West Sussex. She was also Dean of Women’s Ministry for Chichester Diocese from 2017 until her retirement. Before being ordained in 2008, Ann worked for almost 20 years as a fundraiser, much of that time at Cancer Research UK. This followed seven years as an Assistant Governor in the Prison Service, serving in several prisons. Family ties brought her to Worcester where she is enjoying living a short walk from the city centre, exploring the beautiful countryside and helping with the care of her first grandchild.
She says: “I am delighted Bishop John has asked me to take on this role and look forward to working with Guy and Fiona as we seek to support our fellow retired clergy and their partners. The adjustment to retirement, to the differing roles and challenges this may bring, and working out and recognising God’s purpose for us in our later years, will be unique for everyone, but shared experience and friendship is often both helpful and comforting – and hopefully fun! I am new to Worcestershire and look forward to getting to know the Diocese, and all who are part of it.”
Guy Hewlett will be well known in the Diocese having served here since 2013. Before his retirement he was Rector in the Gornal and Sedgley Team and he was also a Chaplain at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. He was ordained in 1996, initially serving in parishes in the Diocese of London where he also served as Warden of Readers for the Willesden Episcopal Area and Chaplain to the Police in the Borough of Harrow.
Guy said: “Our clergy and their families give so much both before and after retirement. It is a great privilege to be asked to help support our retired clergy and bereaved clergy partners and I am looking forward to this new phase of ministry.”
Please do pray for Ann and Guy as they take on this new role.
