BISHOP Jonathan has appointed the Ven Barry Dugmore to be the new Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight – and it feels like he is coming home.

Barry, who is currently Archdeacon Missioner in the Diocese of Coventry, had a previous career selling pharmaceuticals and medical devices in this area, which included trips around the Isle of Wight.

His spiritual life also flourished within our diocese. He and his wife Suzanne were part of a worship band at St John’s Church, Locks Heath, before Barry’s faith grew as a worship leader and preacher.

He was then ordained within our diocese in 2001 and served at St Wilfrid’s, Cowplain, and in Whiteley, before heading to Exeter in 2007. He led two churches there before becoming the Diocese of Exeter’s Mission Enabler from 2015-19. He has been in his current role in Coventry since then.

He has now been appointed – subject to DBS – to be the senior clergy person on the Isle of Wight, supporting and leading its parishes, in succession to the Ven Steve Daughtery who stepped down last year.

Barry said: “I remember when I left Portsmouth diocese, Bishop Kenneth said to me that I would always be welcome back. We’ve recently been praying about a new season in our lives, and the Portsmouth diocese strapline ‘Jesus-centred, Kingdom-seeking’ was really attractive. It captures where my heart is, which is as a pastoral evangelist.

“I did think God was calling us back down south, to serve the diocese that originally nurtured us, in a place we definitely see as home. Even the fact that the Isle of Wight was part of my ‘sales’ territory plays into the idea that this is a familiar place.

“The Island’s unique blend of rural, coastal, and town communities presents a rich tapestry for ministry, and I’m drawn to the challenge of enabling the Church to flourish in this context, building on exciting fruitful foundations, gifts and strengths - and responding creatively to its opportunities and challenges with clergy, lay leaders, church wardens and others.

“The Isle of Wight’s distinct identity, strong local culture, and the diocese’s commitment to prioritising work with children, young people, and older people resonate deeply with my own ministry priorities. This role tugs on my sense of calling, as it connects with my love for God’s people, a passion for mission and growth, and a desire to serve in a context that values both tradition and innovation.”

Bishop Jonathan said: “I am delighted to offer this vital role to someone who brings rich experience, missional energy, and a warm pastoral heart to ministry. Barry is an outstanding appointment, who will make a real difference to our Christian presence on the island. He joins a growing team of exceptional lay and ordained leaders on the Isle of Wight. Please pray for Barry and Suzanne as they leave Coventry diocese and make their way to us."

Barry was born in Stoke-on-Trent, and he and Suzanne have three married children and six grandchildren. He enjoys playing the guitar and singing, as well as sport, walking and art appreciation.

He studied chemistry and worked for ICI as a research technician and then a research chemist. Barry moved to Hampshire with his young family and began a commercial career in the pharmaceuticals industry, ending up in various marketing and business development roles.

Because he was a musician and a singer – and Suzanne was also a vocalist – they became involved in the worship group at Locks Heath, discovering a whole new world of worship music.

As a Portsmouth ordinand, he trained at STETS (Southern Theological Education and Training Scheme) and then served his curacy in Cowplain. When he moved to Tiverton, Devon in Exeter in 2007, he led two churches through a period of healing, renewal and significant growth, and served as rural dean.

Barry’s four years as Mission Enabler for Exeter Diocese involved working with clergy, lay leaders, PCCs and congregations to encourage confidence in faith-sharing, growth in whole life discipleship, Fresh Expressions of church and church-planting.

Part of this was a local resource hub network he envisioned and launched, called the ‘Mission Shed’. He was also part of a team working on a successful project to plant three new churches on outer estates in Plymouth.

He took on his current role as Archdeacon Missioner in the Diocese of Coventry in October 2019. He has led the diocese’s mission and discipleship work on behalf of the bishop, overseeing the development and delivery of a coherent diocesan strategy for mission and church growth.

Since 2020, this has resulted in the formation of 116 new worshipping communities, shaped by contextual mission, sustainability and leadership development. Central to this approach has been the development of Mission Hub churches, resourcing neighbouring parishes and fostering a culture of collaboration and multiplication rather than competition.

He also oversaw clergy appointments, chairing more than 70 appointment processes, working constructively with parishes and patrons. And he served as Chair for Together for Change, a charity which partners with churches to address challenges in areas of deprivation.

He will be licensed as Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight during Evensong in our cathedral on Sunday 31st May. Details here.