On Sunday 4th December, the following announcement was made by Sally Gorton, at the end of the Parish Eucharist service, in respect of the appointment of a new Rector of Ribchester and Priest-in-Charge of Hurst Green and Mitton.
"The interview of the person appointed took place just over one week ago. Alan and I formed part of a panel which included representatives from Hurst Green and Mitton as well as Bishop Geoff and two diocesan representatives. I am pleased to say that the panel were unanimous in making the appointment. We had the advantage of knowing the candidate and it was remarkably easy to come to a decision as the person appointed is known to us all, has taken several services here at St Wilfrid's and has been supportive of the parish during the interregnum."He has devoted over twelve years to his current position at a parish in Fulwood, he has a great intellect and sense of humour as well as a great enthusiasm for promoting and supporting the younger members of the congregation and fostering links with schools, he is a great "people person" and is devoted to his family and (some of you may be disappointed to hear) to Manchester United."Owing to the need to follow the correct procedure for leaving the current parish and making sure that everything is in correct order here we anticipate that the person appointed will be able to take up the new position before Easter next year. We all look forward to welcoming as our new incumbent our current area dean, Canon Brian McConkey."Much work has yet to be undertaken with the churchwardens from Mitton and Hurst Green to agree, for example, how much time Brian will be able to spend in the three parishes, where he and his family will live, in which church he will be inducted and who will be appointed as his clerical assistant to take church services."I am sure that Brian will wish to meet as many of you as possible before he formally takes up his new role. We very much look forward to working with him to make his move here as smooth as possible and to ensure that he finds his time here to be rewarding, happy and productive."
