The Diocese of Salisbury has announced who will takeover as the new Archdeacon of Sherborne.

The Revd Penny Sayer has been chosen to take over from The Ven Paul Taylor who is hanging up his apron after 14 years of service.

Since November 2016, she has been Bradwell Area Turnaround Minister in the Diocese of Chelmsford, a new role in the diocese funded by a national grant from the Church of England to provide support, training, mentoring and where necessary leadership in a limited number of benefices identified as needing ‘turnaround’ support.

Revd Sayer will be collated at Choral Evensong at Sherborne Abbey on Sunday, November 25.

The Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam, Bishop of Salisbury said: “Penny will be a great addition to the Diocese of Salisbury. She was appointed from a strong field and will bring exceptional experience and gifts. I look forward to welcoming her at Evensong in Sherborne Abbey on November 25.”

The Rt Revd Karen Gorham, Bishop of Sherborne, said: “I am delighted that Penny will be joining us in West Dorset. She brings a wealth of experience and understanding of parish life. I look forward to working with her in our service of the people and places in Dorset.”

The Revd Penny Sayer said: “It is a great privilege to have been invited to become the next Archdeacon of Sherborne, and to join the team in the Diocese of Salisbury. Having served in rural, urban and coastal parishes I relish the chance to get to know the variety of communities served by the church in West Dorset.

“Although much of the archdeacon’s role is thought to be buildings orientated, I very much look forward to getting to know the people of the Sherborne archdeaconry and supporting them in mission and ministry.

“This post comes with additional responsibilities for social justice issues and clergy well-being, areas of ministry which are very close to my heart. It will be a real joy to join the teams already at work.”

“The diocesan vision of renewing hope: pray, serve, grow roots Christian ministry in faithful, prayerful discipleship. I look forward to this next stage in my own Christian journey.”

She raised six children and has three grandchildren.