News Stories
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30 June 2025
Our oldest priest marks 50 years since ordination
The Rev Alan Ball, who is aged 99, was among those in our cathedral for this summer’s ordinations. He was there to support his daughter-in-law Mary Ball, who was being ordained deacon. The service happened precisely 50 years to the day since his own ordination as deacon. Read more
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30 June 2025
in GeneralBishop appoints new Archdeacon of Portsdown
Bishop Jonathan has appointed Canon Bob White to be the new Archdeacon of Portsdown, it was announced today. Bob will remain as vicar of St Mary’s, Portsea, spending half his time in the parish role and half his time as archdeacon. He has been acting Archdeacon of Portsdown for the past year. Read more
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27 June 2025
in GeneralFormer Archdeacon appointed as Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich
Downing Street has announced today that the Rt Rev Joanne Grenfell will be the new Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich. Bishop Joanne, who is currently the Bishop of Stepney in London and lead bishop for safeguarding, was Archdeacon of Portsdown between 2013 and 2019. Read more
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26 June 2025
in GeneralNew Anna Chaplains commissioned at multi-generational service
Four new Anna Chaplains were commissioned during the morning Eucharist service at Portsmouth Cathedral on Sunday 22nd June. Read more
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25 June 2025
in GeneralRoyal presence as pupils pay Canada Day tribute
HRH Princess Anne attended tributes to Canadian troops who fought in two world wars, which were held at St Mary’s Church in Bramshott, and Liphook CofE Junior School. She read from the Bible in the church service, laid a wreath in the graveyard, and then saw an inspiring presentation from Year 4 pupils at the school. It was part of the annual Canada Day events, which helps villagers to recall their close links with Canada. Read more
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23 June 2025
in SchoolsAdjudicator rules that Arreton school should remain open
A decision to close an Isle of Wight Church of England school has been overturned by an independent government adjudicator. The Office of the Schools Adjudicator has ruled that Arreton St George’s CofE Primary School should remain open, after indicating that the process followed by the Isle of Wight Council was flawed and not transparent. Read more
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23 June 2025
in GeneralEducation adviser takes on parish role
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Richard Wharton to be new vicar of Greatham, Empshott and Hawkley with Priors Dean. Richard has been working as a schools adviser as part of our diocesan education team for the past 11 years. He’ll begin his new role in September. Read more
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22 June 2025
New children and families worker for Paulsgrove
Clare Hudson has been appointed as the new children and families worker for St Michael and All Angels, Paulsgrove. She will be involved with all the church’s work with young people. Read more
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21 June 2025
in GeneralThree new Readers licensed in our cathedral
Bishop Jonathan licensed three new Readers in our cathedral – Sue Craft, who will serve at Holy Trinity, Fareham; Sam Piggot, who will serve at St Cuthbert, Copnor; and Carolyn Shannon, who will serve at St Francis, Leigh Park. Family and friends packed into the cathedral for the Eucharistic service, which also gave other Readers a chance to renew their vows of ministry. Read more
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19 June 2025
Backstage man steps into the limelight
Perennial backstage man Nathan Hamilton will step out into the spotlight once he is ordained at our cathedral. He’ll be one of 10 deacons ordained by Bishop Jonathan on June 28, and then will become a curate serving our parishes in Ryde. It will be very different from his previous roles as theatre technician and sound engineer. Read more