News Stories
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3 April 2025
in SchoolsBreakfast Club supports island students
Hundreds of students at the Bay CofE School in Sandown are benefiting from a Breakfast Club that is being provided as part of the school's Flourish project. Pupils on the secondary site have a chance to eat in school ahead of the school day, thanks to a range of community partners and volunteers from local churches. Read more
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31 March 2025
in EnvironmentEnvironment colleagues gather in Cambridge
As Church of England environment and net zero carbon officers gathered at the British Antarctic Survey HQ in Cambridge, our diocesan officers shared on their successes in collaborative work and engagement with the Energy Footprint Tool. Read more
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31 March 2025
Professor shares how science and faith co-exist
Church, civic and community leaders heard from a university academic who is also a churchgoer about how science and faith co-exist. Professor David Bacon, who is director of the University of Portsmouth’s Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, and also a churchgoer and churchwarden at St Jude’s Church, Southsea, was speaking at the third Portsmouth Prayer Breakfast. Read more
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28 March 2025
in SchoolsSchool marks 270 years with John Pounds celebration
Staff, parents and pupils at St George’s CofE Beneficial School in Portsea are marking their 270th birthday this year. One of the events recalled the work of Portsmouth legend John Pounds, who had a key role in inspiring the education of the city’s poor. Children and adults dressed up in outfits from the 19th century as they recalled the school's history and John Pounds’ role in creating our education system Read more
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24 March 2025
in SchoolsDiocese refers Isle of Wight Council to independent adjudicator
Our diocese has referred the Isle of Wight Council to an independent adjudicator over the process it followed when deciding which of its schools might close. Lawyers have written to the council’s legal team to confirm this action. The fact that its Cabinet voted to close only two of the five threatened schools last week does not change the diocese’s view that the process before that decision was flawed. Read more
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24 March 2025
Harbour stalwart to lead Copnor congregations
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Katherine Message to be a new team vicar for Harbour Church in Portsmouth. She’s currently serving the church as curate and has been involved with their congregations since it started in 2016. Her new role will see her have specific responsibility for its congregations at St Alban’s Church in Copnor. Read more
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24 March 2025
in GeneralTwo new priests appointed for the Meon Valley
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Jill Kingston and the Rev Liz Quinn to be interim associate priests within the Meon Valley parishes. Both are currently serving as curates after being ordained deacon and priest together Read more
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21 March 2025
in GeneralSafeguarding: A survivor’s story of support
A survivor of church-related abuse has shared his story of how he was supported by the safeguarding team within our diocese. Read more
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20 March 2025
in SchoolsCouncil decision on Isle of Wight school closures
The Isle of Wight Council has decided to close one CofE school, but has rejected proposals to close two others. Its Cabinet voted in favour of closing Arreton CofE Primary, and Cowes Primary Schools, but decided not to go ahead and close Oakfield CofE Primary in Ryde, Brading CofE Primary or Wroxall Primary Schools. This is our response to this news. Read more
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20 March 2025
in GeneralHow our parish safeguarding officers play a key role
Our network of parish safeguarding officers play a key role in helping to keep children, young people and vulnerable people safe within our church activities. Val Strutt has been performing this role at St Wilfrid’s Church, Cowplain, for the past 19 years. Read more