The Dean of Norwich, The Very Revd Graham Smith, has announced he is stepping down from his role in the autumn after nine years in the post.
The announcement was made in a service at Norwich Cathedral yesterday morning (April 14), when the Dean told the congregation that his work over the years had been a tremendous privilege, as well as a big responsibility to live up to the high expectations of the position.
He said: “In my time in Norwich, I have grown to love the Cathedral, its people and staff with a real intensity as well as developing a deep affection for Norfolk. Carys and I have made so many friends, enjoyed so many wonderful occasions that we know it will be a real wrench to leave at the end of an active and varied ministry in very different settings.
“I know I will miss the services in the cathedral whether it is the daily Evensong, a Sunday Service or one of the great civic services as well as the wonderful music of all the choirs we have at Norwich,” the Dean added.
In his role at Norwich Cathedral, the Dean who has been ordained for 37 years, saw the completion of the £10 million public appeal for the Refectory and Hostry which was officially opened by H M The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in May 2010. The new lighting scheme has been completed in the Cloister and he has overseen the introduction of ‘An Evening with the Dean’ – a series of out of hours visits to the Cathedral by parish groups.
Last year he spent several months on an extended visit to the Anglican Church in Harare in Zimbabwe.
The couple will be moving to Devon and hope very much to maintain contact with their friends in the Diocese of Norwich and across the county. They are both looking forward to having time to read, garden, walk on Dartmoor and for the Dean, time to drive his brother’s old sports car.
The Dean added: “I hope to be of use to my new parish, the local churches and clergy and I am planning to spend time doing some research. Having announced my retirement this morning, it makes me realise just how intensely I shall miss the Cathedral and everyone and everything associated with it so the coming months will be very special for us.”
The Dean’s last service will be on September 29, which is Michaelmas when he hopes many people will join him and Carys for a celebration of his time and his work in Norwich.
Story and picture courtesy of www.norwich.anglican.org
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