Chester Diocese
News Item
|
Rector Jeff is to become Dean of Derby
THE Revd Dr Jeff Cuttell is to become the new Dean of Derby, it’s been announced. Jeff, aged 49, has been the Rector of Astbury and Smallwood in the Diocese of Chester since 1999. He has also been the Rural Dean of Congleton, overseeing the ministry of 20 parishes, since 2004. He had a varied background, including posts in the military, broadcasting and lecturing before he began in parish ministry in the late 1980s. Jeff will take up his new position in the Diocese of Derby later this year.
He will primarily lead the ministry of Derby Cathedral, working alongside those in the public, private and voluntary sectors to enhance the wellbeing of communities across Derby and Derbyshire. Jeff, who is the son of a Derbyshire miner, said: “A lot of my ministry has taken place at the edge of conventional church life, and has brought a wonderful perspective to my parochial ministry. “Healthy churches are those which thoroughly engage with the community and there is a strong tradition of this in cathedral ministry. As a Rural Dean I learned the benefits of bringing people to work together to achieve things that couldn’t be done apart.” On the prospect of leaving Astbury and Smallwood, Jeff added: “In parish ministry you share people’s lives in an extraordinary and deep way and we have made many friends. I will remember the music and gaiety of May Day, the messy games of Holiday Club, the thrill of growing faith in Alpha Groups, the happy chaos of the Animal Service, the quiet calm of the Prayer Book and the joy of Family Communions – we’ve had such a wonderful time here. “It will be a wrench to leave, but I feel deeply honoured in being called to serve the Church in such a senior position as Dean of Derby and I am sure that Astbury and Smallwood will continue to go from strength to strength.” The Bishop of Derby, Rt Revd Dr Alastair Redfern, said: “I am delighted to welcome Jeff to the Diocese to be our new Dean. He brings a wide range of skills and experience which will greatly enrich our Cathedral at a time of great opportunity.” The Bishop of Chester, Rt Revd Dr Peter Forster, said: “Jeff Cuttell is a priest of many talents, who has had a distinguished ministry in contrasting parishes, as well as in the media and as an Army Chaplain. He will bring particular strengths in relating Derby Cathedral to the wider community, and in leading the able and diverse team at the Cathedral itself.” Jeff comes from a strong background in the sciences. After graduating with a first in Geological Sciences from the University of Birmingham he went on to work for the Atomic Energy Authority pursuing his PhD research with the Nuclear Physics Division of Harwell AERE in Oxfordshire. He trained for the ministry at Trinity Theological College in Bristol and was ordained in 1987. He served, first as Curate and then as Vicar, in the parish of Normanton in the Diocese of Wakefield. He left West Yorkshire to move into broadcasting religious programmes. He worked for the BBC in a number of capacities between 1995 and 1999. He worked in local radio as a Producer and Presenter for BBC Radio Stoke, as a TV Presenter for BBC 1 Television and as a regular contributor to BBC Radio 2 and 4 before returning to parish ministry in our diocese nine years ago. An additional role has been holding a commission as a Chaplain to the Forces. Between 1997 and 2006 he served with the 4th Battalion the Parachute Regiment (Reserve). He saw active service on operations in the Balkans and he holds military parachutist qualifications with the French, German and British Armies.
His wife, Liz, is a part-time GP in Cheshire and the proximity of her work to Derby will allow her to continue in her current post. Both of their children will spread their wings later this year; Joanna, 21 is due to leave for China to pursue her language studies; and Peter, 17, is to read physics at university. Jeff will be installed as Dean at Derby Cathedral on Sat Sep 13.
|
The Revd Dr Jeff Cuttell, pictured by Derby Cathedral where he is to become Dean later this year
|
