We are delighted to announce that Bob Taylor and Sandi Kiddle have accepted Bishop Michael’s invitation to be Warden and Assistant Warden for the Wells Archdeaconry. Their roles are important in supporting Readers and encouraging new Readers.
Simon Hill, the Archdeacon of Taunton, and Warden of Readers, said, "It is great to have Bob and Sandi in role and to have a full set of Readers serving as Archdeaconry Wardens and Assistant Wardens for our diocese. They each bring their Reader experience and wider work experience to the role. As Archdeaconry Wardens they are a point of contact for Readers across the Wells archdeaconry encouraging good practice and supporting Readers to fruitfully live out their vocations. They play a key part in nurturing vocation and walk with those who express an interest in Reader ministry working with them in preparation for selection conferences. Hopefully they, and fellow wardens, will be kept busy with new people wanting to explore Reader ministry in Somerset. They are the people to be in contact with if anyone feels such a call."
Bob is a former HM Revenue and Customs officer. He is currently licenced to a group of parishes in the Langport area. Away from the Church of England, he is the Vice-Chairman of Christians Aware, an ecumenical and educational charity. Away from Christians Aware and the church, you can often find him watching figure skating competitions.
Sandi has lived in the village of Templecombe for 40 years and has been involved in Parish ministry there for nearly 30 years, first as a homegroup leader, leading a worship group, also serving as a Foundation Governor at the local school and then as a Lay Worship Assistant. On retiring from a lifelong career in teaching, latterly as a primary school head teacher, she trained as a Reader and was licensed in 2022.
Please pray for them as they begin this important role in our diocese.
Archdeaconry Wardens, Sandi Kiddle and Bob Taylor (Wells), Ann Philcox and Martin Valuks (Taunton), Mary Dolman and Simon Stevens (Bath).
For more information about Reader ministry please visit the dedicated Reader pages of the diocesan website.