The Ven. Martin Baddeley, the Archdeacon of Reigate has announced his retirement with effect from 10 December 2000. He has held the post since the beginning of 1996.

The Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Rev. Tom Butler, commented, 'Martin is a fine teacher whose many skills have been much respected by his students and colleagues. He will long be remembered for his enormous contribution to the Southwark Ordination Course (S.O.C) and training people for ordination. A gentle and warm-hearted pastor, he has continued to teach as Archdeacon and this and his commitment to ecumenism have been greatly appreciated by many. We will miss his wise insights and attention to detail. We wish him and Judith a long and enjoyable retirement.'

Born in the Solomon Islands in 1936, Martin Baddeley grew up in Adelaide, Australia, until he was eleven, then in Yorkshire and Lancashire. He read Theology at Keble College, Oxford, 1957-60, and prepared for the priesthood at Lincoln Theological College, 1960-62. Ordained deacon in 1962 and priest in 1963, he was a curate at Stretford St Matthew, Manchester, 1962-65, then joined the staff of his old Theological College at Lincoln, 1965-69. From 1969 to 1974 he was Chaplain of Fitzwilliam College and New Hall, Cambridge, and a Fellow of Fitzwilliam.

Appointed Precentor of Rochester Cathedral and Rochester Diocesan Director of Clerical Studies in 1974, he was a Residentiary Canon at Rochester until 1980, when he became Principal of S.O.C.. This was amalgamated in 1994 with the Canterbury School of Ministry, to form the South East Institute of Theological Education of which he became Joint Principal until his appointment as Archdeacon of Reigate.

Martin is married to Judith, and they have three adult children. After Martin's retirement they will live in Malvern, Worcestershire.

Ends.