News Stories
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18 March 2026
in GeneralRefurbishment of historic island church is complete
The refurbishment of All Saints Church in Ryde will be complete in time for the church to re-open on Palm Sunday. The historic building has been closed for refurbishment, but will open its doors in time for a traditional and a contemporary service to take place on March 29th, followed by Holy Week and Easter services. The building now includes underfloor heating, a limescale floor, audio-visual facilities and a modern cafe, to serve current and future generations. Read more
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16 March 2026
in GeneralNew Southsea vicar excited to step out in faith
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Steve Clarke to be the new vicar of St Jude’s Church, Southsea. He is currently the vicar of St Andrew’s, Whitehall Park, in north London, where he has been for 12 years, and was previously a curate and pioneer minister in Gloucester Cathedral. The bishop expects to licence him to his new role on July 20th. Read more
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27 Feb. 2026
in GeneralNew Archdeacon comes ‘home’ to Isle of Wight
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Ven Barry Dugmore to be the new Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight. And for Barry, whose work took him to the island and who was ordained and served as a priest within our diocese, it feels like coming home. He will become the most senior Anglican cleric on the island, supporting our parishes in ministry and mission, in succession to the Ven Steve Daughtery. Read more
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13 Feb. 2026
in GeneralPortsmouth Prayer Breakfast hears about resolving conflict
The fourth annual Portsmouth Prayer Breakfast brought together community, civic and religious leaders from across the city. They shared breakfast together and heard from guest speaker Emma Jenkings about the beauty of conflict and how to resolve such conflict. Read more
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12 Feb. 2026
in GeneralLENT APPEAL: Giving hope to those working in sex industry
One of the three charities that will receive donations via the Bishop’s Lent Appeal this year is Vista, which is based in Harbour Church, Portsmouth. It offers hope to those trafficked into this country, or trapped in the sex industry, as the story of Bianca shows. Read more
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4 Feb. 2026
in GeneralAnna Chaplains explore the power of stories
Our Anna Chaplains gathered at our cathedral for their annual get-together before sharing in a Eucharist to mark Candlemas in the cathedral. They heard about the power of stories, as well as sharing examples from the diocese of Anna Chaplaincy in action. Read more
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26 Jan. 2026
in GeneralNew lay worship leaders commissioned
Lay worship leaders from the Bishop’s Waltham deanery were commissioned for their new roles at St Peter’s Church, Bishop’s Waltham Read more
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21 Jan. 2026
in GeneralReaders’ conference provides fun and fellowship
Readers from across our diocese came to the Meon Valley Hotel for a weekend conference. They heard from the Rev Neil Smart, our diocese’s Lead for Revive, and also enjoyed worship, fellowship and fun together. Read more
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2 Jan. 2026
in GeneralChurch marks 180th anniversary with unique box project
Worshippers at St Barnabas Church, Swanmore, marked their church’s 180th anniversary with a unique project. Groups and organisations from around the village were each invited to decorate a small box, and these contributions were ultimately brought together to form a fascinating display in the church’s foyer. Read more
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11 Dec. 2025
in GeneralBishop presents cheques to recipients of Lent Appeal
Bishop Jonathan has presented cheques to three charities that we raised funds for as part of the Bishop’s Lent Appeal 2025. Generous donations and fundraising ensured that our Lent Appeal for 2025 raised £9,000 which was split equally between the charities USPG, Tearfund and Vista – based at Harbour Church, Portsmouth. Read more