News Stories
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27 Nov. 2023
in ChristmasCathedral choir to premiere new carol on BBC
Our cathedral choir will give the TV premiere of the Church of England’s new Christmas single. They’ll sing a new version of ‘The First Nowell’ at Midnight Mass, which is being broadcast live on BBC1 on Christmas Eve. This version of the popular carol has been written by renowned composer Bob Chilcott, and is being sung at our cathedral’s carol services and across the country – as well as being released on music streaming services. Read more
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20 Nov. 2023
in GeneralBishop Jonathan appoints new priest for Copnor
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Clive Gardner to be the new priest-in-charge of St Cuthbert’s and St Aidan’s, Copnor, in Portsmouth. He’ll start his work there in Spring 2024 after being team vicar in the parish of Wimbledon for the past 11 years. Read more
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16 Nov. 2023
in GeneralOfficer to give advice on island church buildings
Funding from the national Church of England will help our diocese to employ an officer based on the Isle of Wight to advise on repair and conservation of our church buildings. Read more
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13 Nov. 2023
in GeneralNewport Minster ‘at risk’ no more
The final phase of a project to transform Newport Minster is now underway. The internal refurbishment is expected to be complete by Spring 2024. Meanwhile, the repairs to the outside of the building have ensured the minster has been taken off the ‘at risk’ register. Read more
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30 Oct. 2023
Funding boost to develop island churches
Church of England parishes in the Isle of Wight have been given extra funding in a broad initiative to support and develop their congregations. A five-year, £2.7m project aims to plant a new congregation in Ryde, whilst equipping existing ones to have more engagement with schools and explore new ways to serve the local community. The national Church of England has announced that it will invest more than £1.2m of its strategic funds in the project. The other £1.5m would come from the Diocese of Portsmouth to fund clergy positions.
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16 Oct. 2023
in GeneralNew icon hopes to draw people in
An artist in Leigh Park has painted a new icon of St Francis which is now on display in her home church of St Francis, Leigh Park. The painting was unveiled in conjunction with the sixtieth anniversary of the church building. Read more
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15 Oct. 2023
in GeneralArchbishop worships with three different congregations
Archbishop Justin worshipped in three very different congregations on the final day of his three-day visit to our diocese. He helped St Wilfrid’s Church, Cowplain, celebrate its centenary in the morning, visited the innovative family service at Christ Church Gosport in the afternoon, and was part of Evensong at St Peter’s, Petersfield in the evening. Read more
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14 Oct. 2023
in GeneralArchbishop tells prisoners and community leaders about transformation
Archbishop Justin visited inmates in HMP Isle of Wight to talk to them about transformation, before heading across the Solent to meet community leaders from across Portsmouth to talk about the transformation of our society. He visited a family fun day held to celebrate the sixth anniversary of a church plant, before rounding off his day with ratings and officers in HM Naval Base. Read more
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13 Oct. 2023
in GeneralIsland schoolchildren and churchgoers quiz Archbishop
Isle of Wight schoolchildren and churchgoers quizzed the Archbishop of Canterbury during visits to two C of E schools and one church. He answered questions about crowning the King, how he came to faith, and how he has been sustained during difficult times in his life. It was Day 1 of his three-day visit to our diocese. Read more
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9 Oct. 2023
in GeneralNew priest appointed for South Wight
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Rob Marsh as the new priest-in-charge of South Wight. He’ll be licensed to this post, covering the parishes of Niton, Whitwell, Chale and St Lawrence, in January. Rob is a former TV cameraman and also ran a photography business. Read more