Farewell to David On the 12th December 2007 Rev David Bidnell wrote to accept the appointment of Superintendent in the then Huddersfield East Circuit comprising eight churches and three staff. He commented that he was ‘full of anticipation with regard to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead’. Little did he know that thirteen years later he would still be here, heading up a Circuit of twenty-eight churches, twelve ordained staff and two lay employees. Having indeed experienced many challenges along the way, including steering us through a time of transition, melding three Circuits into an entity which sees itself as ‘one’, and, incidentally, dealing with the Circuit in times of a global pandemic. Would he still have been looking forward to it so enthusiastically had he known what challenges actually lay ahead? Maybe not, but, knowing David as we now do, we, the Methodist people in Huddersfield would certainly have been enthusiastically awaiting his arrival.
So, what has David brought during the thirteen years here? I asked individuals around the Circuit for one word to describe David. Here’s what came back, ‘inclusive’,’ ‘innovative’ ‘creative’, ‘dedicated’ ’enigmatic’, ‘gifted’, ‘witty’, ‘careful yet courageous’. People who have been bereaved have spoken of his empathetic and loving accompaniment of them along the journey. Those who have come, perhaps nervously, with suggestions for innovation have been received with encouragement and support. Under David’s leadership the Huddersfield Circuit has become known as a centre of excellence as a ‘training circuit’ and a place where innovative action is welcomed.What shall I personally miss most? Well, not the 8am emails! But the experience of working with someone of the utmost integrity, and the fun! Thank you, David!
Barbara Hutchinson, on behalf of the Circuit
So, what has David brought during the thirteen years here? I asked individuals around the Circuit for one word to describe David. Here’s what came back, ‘inclusive’,’ ‘innovative’ ‘creative’, ‘dedicated’ ’enigmatic’, ‘gifted’, ‘witty’, ‘careful yet courageous’. People who have been bereaved have spoken of his empathetic and loving accompaniment of them along the journey. Those who have come, perhaps nervously, with suggestions for innovation have been received with encouragement and support. Under David’s leadership the Huddersfield Circuit has become known as a centre of excellence as a ‘training circuit’ and a place where innovative action is welcomed.What shall I personally miss most? Well, not the 8am emails! But the experience of working with someone of the utmost integrity, and the fun! Thank you, David!
Barbara Hutchinson, on behalf of the Circuit
Farewell Nancy
On our first meeting when Nancy came to visit the Huddersfield Circuit, it was obvious that she was a friendly person, giving me a huge hug! Nancy moved here from Elgin, Scotland, as a probationer presbyter, in September 2016, ready to start a new phase of her ministry here with us.
When Nancy first arrived, she was not a driver, but she persevered until she passed her driving test. Throughout her ministry here, Nancy has always had the support of Peter, her husband and her two lovely boys.
In her work, Nancy draws from her Kenyan roots and shares stories of people who have inspired her on her Christian journey. She also enjoys singing and has a lovely voice which she has used well, especially in joint Zoom services, which she’s been running through the pandemic. Many people have appreciated the ministry that she has offered; this has been highlighted in people’s
responses to the joint Bible studies led on Zoom over the winter.
In the time Nancy has been with us, she has been minister to Golcar Providence, Berry Brow, Netherton, Meltham and Crosland Hill. I have had a good relationship with Nancy during these five years. We were a good support for each other, particularly in 2018, when she took the lead in overseeing the closure of Crosland Hill, where I was both a member and steward.
Nancy is going to pastures new, moving to the West Midlands in August. She will be sharing her farewell service
with David on Sunday 25th July 2021. I wish her well in her future ministry. It has been a blessing to know her.
Audrey Kershaw, on behalf of the Circuit
When Nancy first arrived, she was not a driver, but she persevered until she passed her driving test. Throughout her ministry here, Nancy has always had the support of Peter, her husband and her two lovely boys.
In her work, Nancy draws from her Kenyan roots and shares stories of people who have inspired her on her Christian journey. She also enjoys singing and has a lovely voice which she has used well, especially in joint Zoom services, which she’s been running through the pandemic. Many people have appreciated the ministry that she has offered; this has been highlighted in people’s
responses to the joint Bible studies led on Zoom over the winter.
In the time Nancy has been with us, she has been minister to Golcar Providence, Berry Brow, Netherton, Meltham and Crosland Hill. I have had a good relationship with Nancy during these five years. We were a good support for each other, particularly in 2018, when she took the lead in overseeing the closure of Crosland Hill, where I was both a member and steward.
Nancy is going to pastures new, moving to the West Midlands in August. She will be sharing her farewell service
with David on Sunday 25th July 2021. I wish her well in her future ministry. It has been a blessing to know her.
Audrey Kershaw, on behalf of the Circuit
