Derbyshire's seventh bishop, the Rt Rev'd Dr Alastair Redfern, was installed at a service at Derby Cathedral on Saturday, November 12th.

A packed congregation of around 900 attended to welcome the Bishop into the Diocese of Derby, (the Church of England across Derbyshire), and many had also come from Lincolnshire, where Bishop Alastair was formerly a Suffragan, (or 'assistant') Bishop since 1997.

Dignitaries, civic guests, clergy, visiting bishops from other dioceses, leaders from other denominations and faiths and a host of lay people from all over Derbyshire attended. The Ven Patrick Evans, Archdeacon of Canterbury, installed the Bishop, and Caroline Boddington, the Archbishop of Canterbury's Appointments Secretary, read Bishop Alastair his Charge - the list of specific key tasks the Bishop will take up in his new post.

Readings were given by Stella Collishaw, from Long Eaton, the Diocese of Derby's Social Responsibility Adviser, and Dan Leathers, of Stapenhill, Burton-on-Trent, representing the Diocesan Youth Council.

Dawn Lonsdale, of Heanor, and The Rev'd Barrie Green from Dronfield parishes, led the prayers, representing Anglican Christians and clergy of Derbyshire respectively. A dedication of partnership in ministry between Bishop Alastair and the Diocese of Derby's Suffragan Bishop, the Rt Rev'd David Hawtin, Bishop of Repton, was also stated.

A highlight of the service was Bishop Alastair's first sermon in the Cathedral, which began with thanks to all those across Derbyshire who had given him such a warm welcome. He added that he had been amazed by the "energy and enterprise" he had seen already since he moved into the county.

Following the service, many had the opportunity to congratulate the new Bishop over refreshments, provided by the City of Derby.

More reports and photographs of the service can be found here.

ENDS