The Bishop of Chester, the Rt Rev Dr Peter Forster, proposes to license the Rev Cheri Pinner as priest in charge on a part time basis to the parish of Whaley Bridge in the new year. The parish includes Trinity Church in the town and St James’ at Taxal.

At present, Cheri and John, her husband, live in New Zealand. They are both ordained and technically John will be an assistant curate. They envisage working closely together.

A statement from Whaley Bridge parish said: “The appointment does have financial implications for the parish, as Bishop Peter has made it quite
clear that we have to meet our parish share quota of £20,000 a year.

“We have no further details at present, except that the parish church council has unanimously accepted the proposal and announced the news at all
services on Advent Sunday – what a wonderful start to the new Christian year!”