David Atkinson (57) became Canon Chancellor of Southwark Cathedral and Canon Missioner in the Diocese in 1993 and was appointed Archdeacon of Lewisham in 1997.

He said, "I am very honoured and delighted to be invited by the Bishop of Norwich to join his staff team. With the recent Government Rural White Paper, this is an exciting moment to be exploring the role of the churches in relation to the regeneration of the countryside.

"I will be wanting to discover how best I can play a helpful and supportive role in that task, as well, of course as recognising the significant populations there are in the towns of the Diocese of Norwich, and the particular pressures of urban regeneration which they face."

The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev. Graham James said, "We look forward to welcoming David to the Diocese, confident that his gifts and abilities will complement and enrich our ministry to the people of Norfolk and Waveney."

Dr Atkinson is married to Dr Sue Atkinson - a former primary teacher, and now an education writer and lecturer in primary mathematics. They have a daughter and a son, Rachel and Jonathan. David enjoys art, music, walking and holidays with Sue in their VW Camper-van.

Bishop Tom Butler said, "I am of course sorry to lose his ministry here in Southwark but very happy for the people of Norwich Diocese who will benefit from his wisdom and experience."

Farewell for David Atkinson

There will be a farewell to the Archdeacon of Lewisham at Evensong in Southwark Cathedral at 3 pm on Sunday 11 March 2001. All are welcome to attend.

If anyone wishes to make a donation to a farewell gift, please send cheques payable to the Bishop of Woolwich's Discretionary Fund, to the Bishop of Woolwich's secretary, 37 South Road, Forest Hill, London SE23 2UJ.

Consecration

David will be consecrated Bishop of Thetford by the Archbishop of Canterbury and other bishops in Southwark Cathedral on Thursday 5 April at 2.30 pm.

There will be some reserved seats for visiting dignitaries and for family and friends, but anyone from Southwark Diocese who wishes to attend is invited.

It would help the Cathedral to plan if they know expected numbers in advance, so if you wish to be present at the service, please advise the Sub-Dean, Canon Andrew Nunn by mid-March.

On 11 December, Dr Philip Giddings (Oxford diocese), Vice Chairman of the House of Laity in the General Synod since 1995, came top of the poll yet again. The runner up - as in 1995 and 1998 - was Brian McHenry (Southwark).

But three days later, Church House officials told candidates that there had been an error in the computer program for counting the votes.

The Presiding Officer ordered a manual recount. This time Brian won the election, following the correct redistribution of the votes of the third candidate in the election, Margaret Swinson (Liverpool diocese). Like the US election, it was close. Brian's majority was just six in a poll of nearly 200 lay members.

Looking forward

Brian says that he is looking forward to serving the Church in this new capacity. He warms to the vision of the new Archbishops' Council which is of a Church of England outward looking, united and confident in the Good News of Jesus.

Meanwhile, Brian continues to be busy in his day job as the senior lawyer at the Competition Commission. He thinks that it is vital for the General Synod to be rooted in the reality of a complex and demanding world. He believes that he can play a part in making the connection between that world and our common faith.

Three Southwark clergy receive EIG bursaries

Canon Rodney Bomford and the Revs Paul Dunn and Charles Richardson have been awarded bursaries by the Ecclesiastical Insurance Group to fund study projects.

Rodney Vicar of St Giles Camberwell will be continuing the research started for his recent book, The Symmetry of God. Dr Paul Dunn, Vicar of St Richard's Ham, will be studying the role of church schools in Christian communities and Charles Richardson, Vicar of St John's, Goose Green, Dulwich, will be considering how altered expectations of the church and changes in the social climate have affected the authority of the priest - and how the Church can respond.

They are among 39 clergy awared bursaries by EIG in this year's round.

100 not out....

Madge Hibbert, verger at St Michael's, Welling, celebrated her 100th birthday on 3 January. We told Madge's story some months back - but we couldn't let the big day pass without this photo, taken at St Michael's on the Sunday after her birthday. With no plans for retirement Madge is obviously planning to be Verger of the Century twice!