| ||||||
|
| ||||||
|
You can now view the biographies for those candidates who have put themselves forward for election to the Board of Police Chaplaincy UK.
Voting opens on 25th June but in the meantime please do familiarise yourself with our candidates by reading their bios here
Richard was born on the Woburn Estate in Bedfordshire, where his parents, Reginald and Hilda, worked. The family later moved to Norwich.
Son Chris said: "Dad's grandparents had both died, in Norwich, before he was born, during the Second World War blitz. Dad attended George White Junior School and later City of Norwich School, for which he would cycle across the city each day.
"After completing school, Dad studied accountancy, initially working for Peat Marwick, which went on to become KPMG, as a chartered accountant. Dad later worked for Abels of Watton, a time which he really enjoyed. After that he worked at Duffields of East Anglia, part of the Volvo Trucks group. Following that Dad spent a few years working with YMCA Norfolk.
"Mum and Dad met through the Park Lane Methodist Church Club, though Dad really found his faith some years later at a Spring Harvest conference. Following that Dad became a local preacher in the Methodist Church for several years."
Richard took early retirement in 2002 and began a new role as a chaplain with Norfolk Police, building a bridge between community, police and the church and helping police officers cope with the complex rigours of the job.
For the past 22 years, including as lead chaplain, he has supported and been alongside police staff and officers who are often at the sharp end of daunting and sometimes dangerous work.
The chaplaincy extends across the county to support police on the front line as well as organising special events such as the Emergency Services Carol Service at Norwich Cathedral.
Although a regular church goer since his teens, Richard came to a full understanding of faith in 1993. His son joined a church holiday club and continued attending a church youth club afterwards. Before long he wanted the family to join him and the youth group at Spring Harvest, a Christian residential festival.
“I hated it at first although everyone was very nice to me,” recalled Richard back in 2018. “It was raining hard most of the time and the first evening there were about 3,000 people in the main tent and many were jumping up and down and waving their arms around. I couldn’t relate to it at all! Until then I had been going to a fairly traditional Methodist church over the years, mainly to keep my wife Gill happy.
“But three days later, during one of the sessions, everything clicked into place; it was as if all the pieces of an old building model were broken down and reassembled into something new. For the first time Jesus Christ and Christianity made sense as the truth of the gospel impacted my heart and changed the course of my life,” said Richard.
Richard has been a board member of both Norfolk Street Pastors and YMCA Norfolk. Former CEO of YMCA Norfolk, John Drake, paid tribute, saying: “I have known Richard for over 30 years. He was a co-worker at the YMCA, a good friend, a brilliant accountant, and a fellow Chaplain. He with the Norfolk Constabulary whilst I serve with the USAF 48th Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath.
“Richard supported the work of the Christian Police Association locally and nationally. Over his 22 years’ service he reinvigorated the mission and ministry of Police chaplaincy across Norfolk by recruiting and training committed men and women gifted in pastoral care and listening skills. Richard was a trusted keeper of secrets. Open-hearted, ever listening and only giving comment when permission was granted or advice sought. However always constant in private intercession for those he felt privileged to serve.
“There were many who met him in their darkest moments who found through Richard and the God who sustained him, the resilience to continue to serve our county and city in these most dangerous of days,” said John.
Richard died in the early hours of Saturday May 11, having been diagnosed with lung cancer a few days earlier.
He had two sons and three grandchildren.
“There will be a small family burial service on Thursday June 13 and a public thanksgiving service for anyone who would like to come, on Friday June 14 at 1pm,” said Richard’s son Chris. This will be at Soul Church, 55 Heartsease Lane, Norwich. NR7 9NT.
Article copied from Network Norfolk : Tributes paid to Norfolk Police Chaplain Richard (networknorwich.co.uk)
|
|
The Rev Steve Parker reflects on his upcoming retirement
"It’s been an emotional process discerning whether to retire as Lead Chaplain for Staffordshire Police, but this is the right time.
Police Chaplaincy has been an amazing ministry for the past eight years and a big part of my life.
It has been a privilege to journey alongside so many colleagues in times of both joy and deep sadness. This ranges from blessing a wedding, open days, the 3Cs (Cuppa, Cake and Chat) to those very sad occasions of officiating at funerals and Memorial Services. Throughout this, I am proud to call so many friends.
I thank Staffordshire Police for allowing me such free access to all areas of the Force and for the friendships made. Also, for allowing me to attend so many meetings that support colleagues and help move the Force forward.
NOTICE is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Police Chaplaincy UK will be held on Tuesday, the 10th, October, 2023 at 19:30 at Yarnfield Park Training & Conference Centre, Yarnfield Stone, Staffordshire, ST15 0NL and online to transact the following business.
ORDINARY BUSINESS:
1. To receive consider and adopt the audited Balance Sheet, the Profit & Loss Account for the year ended and the reports of the Auditors and Directors thereon.
2. To appoint Auditors of the Company and to fix their remuneration.
3. To receive the result of the election of Trustees
By Order of the Board,
Date: 22nd September 2023
Rev Dom Jones, Chair.
Papers are available to all members when logged in to the website
Voting has begun for the election of new members to the National Board.
All those registered on our website will have had their details through to vote on NemoVote, if you would like to know more about our candidates take a look:
|
|
Dear All,
Just a few lines as I stand down as National Police Chaplain this coming Sunday to say both a thank you and goodbye.
I have, in various guises been around Policing for 45 years and have [largely] enjoyed that time immensely and consider it a privilege that both my vocations have been, for the most part, a ‘paid hobby’. Ironic though it sounds the one constant is change!
There have been huge changes in Policing and huge changes in Police Chaplaincy. Over the past 20 or so years Police Chaplaincy has grown tremendously both in terms of quantity, diversity and especially in its scope and engagement with the service. It once would have been commonplace to have described Police Chaplains as ‘guests of the Police’ whereas now chaplains have a unique role and are very much part of the Police family. It has been one of my tasks to be an advocate for the role and work of chaplains across the service as we have developed chaplaincy and it is a great encouragement that today Police Chaplaincy is valued and held in high regard across the service.
|
|
The Rev'd Tanya Lord, Lead Chaplain Lincolnshire Police was installed as a Canon at Lincoln Cathedral during a service of evensong on the 17th November 2022.
Members of the Clergy are installed as Canons to acknowledge the contribution that they have made to the life of the diocese, greater Lincolnshire and beyond. Honorary Canons form a bridge between the Diocese and the Cathedral and meet to reflect and advise on the life of the Cathedral.
Since Lincoln Cathedral was founded in 1072, it has always been the seat (cathedra) of the bishop and a centre of worship and mission for the diocese. The work of the College of Canons is to support and carry out the bishop’s apostolic ministry throughout the diocese and beyond.
Lincoln Cathedral has fifty-three canonries. In mediaeval times each was paid a prebend, or salary, consisting usually of the income from a manor or holding of land. Each canon is still known by the name of his or her prebend, which is written on a tablet above the seat, together with the Latin title of the psalm which should be recited daily “if nothing hinders”. This means that between the whole College of Canons the entire psalter is recited daily. The bishop says Psalm 1.
Under the cathedral’s constitution and statues, between three and five canons of the cathedral are residentiary, looking after the Cathedral’s day-to-day life of worship, education, welcome to visitors and building. The other members of the College of Canons are either clergy or lay people who hold leading positions in the church and local community, mostly but not exclusively in the diocese. The residentiary canons, together with five of the non-residentiary prebendaries (a priest of the diocese, the chairman of the finance committee and three lay persons, all chosen for their expertise) form the Chapter, which is the Cathedral’s governing body. There are four ‘dignities’, with particular areas of responsibility, which are held among the residentiary members of Chapter, and at Lincoln these are the Dean, Precentor, Chancellor and Subdean. The College of Canons exists to give counsel to the bishop and to the Chapter on any matter concerning the cathedral as the seat of the bishop. It receives and considers the annual report and audited accounts of the cathedral and discusses such matters concerning the cathedral as may be raised by its members. In the event of a vacancy in the See of Lincoln the College of Canons is responsible for electing the new bishop
|
Advert now closed
Greater Manchester Police are looking to appoint a permanent Lead Chaplain to coordinate, manage and develop Chaplaincy activities throughout Greater Manchester Police. The Chaplain’s role is a supportive and pastoral one offering support to officers and staff. In this role you will seek to build a relationship of acceptance, friendship and trust with officers and staff and offer a source of comfort during times of stress.
Chaplains need to be good listeners and have confidence to go into a police station and initiate conversations with those who are working there. We would hope that you have some skills of compassion and non-judgmental appraisal of an individual’s situation. We offer verbal support, as well as sign-posting to other means of help, such as police charities, or encouraging people to seek professional help.
To find out more and apply click here
Canon David Wilbraham shares his thoughts and offers his prayers after the sad new of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth
This afternoon in the House of Lords Police Chaplaincy was given full support of the Government, watch the question that was asked by Baroness Williams of Trafford
Following the tragic news of the unexpected death of Simon Coles RIP, recently retired Chief Constable of Leicestershire the thoughts and prayers of Police Chaplains in forces across the country are especially with his family, friends and colleagues as they deal with the emotions and feelings such tragic news brings.
We are also mindful of our chaplaincy colleagues in Leicestershire as they support the Leicestershire Police family at a very difficult time.
The ripples of an event such as this extend far, and if you are affected by this and wish to speak to someone then your own force Chaplaincy is available.
You can also This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we can put you in contact with someone.
Any messages of condolence can be left on the online Book of Condolences set up Leicestershire Police
Chaplains across the county have been moved, like so many by the situation in the Ukraine and have been finding ways of responding and helping the officers and staff they care for, respond.
Minutes silences have been held, short services have taken place and peace vigils kept.
Chaplain George Hadley - Bedfordshire Lead Police Chaplain reflected in a message to his colleagues:
"The scale of the issue may feel overwhelming to us as the daily news bulletins show the situation in graphic detail, with so many harrowing personal stories of those caught at the centre of this what is a war against humanity. It is making many people feel afraid for the future and feel powerless to bring this humanitarian crisis to an end...
We pray that all involved, be granted wisdom and compassion for the people throughout the whole region and that the leaders clearly understand that there are no winners in this conflict and all humanity ultimately will lose, so please step back.
BOOKING NOW OPEN
Picking Up the Pieces Conference 2022
Chaplains can find the booking information via the Forum or in an email which was recently sent
Here is the latest newsletter from NPMD giving you interesting information and pictures regarding NPMD2021 in Lincoln as well as information about the event planned for next year. You can also read a Christmas message from David Wilbraham
The inaugural Emergency Services Mental Health Symposium on the 25th Nov. See the programme or more details here:
|
We have been asked to comment around the news article that a priest tried to give Last Rites to the MP Sir David Amess, here is our response:
"An incident such as this is complex and decisions taken by operational officers will be very mindful of the need to preserve evidence and enable a full uncontaminated forensic investigation to take place. However, the needs of those involved, especially in regard to end of life rituals, are also important and a conversation will take place with NPCC around this"
|
National Police Chaplain, Canon David Wilbraham MBE, offers words of comfort and hope as he reflects on this difficult year and the many who have lost loved ones.
David recorded this message for the Police Federation and you can view it here
Rev'd Dom Jones, Hampshire Constabulary Lead Chaplain and Police Chaplaincy UK Trustee, recorded a message for his own officers and staff reflecting on the challenges, but also the unexpected positives of the last 12 months and you can view that here
Chief Constable Mark Collins said: “It is with great sadness that we receive the news of Mr Simon Prince’s death. Mr Prince served with Dyfed-Powys as Chief Constable between 2013 and 2016 having previously served for 22 years with Gwent Police. He was a well-respected, fair and supportive Chief Constable who led the force through some significant changes and maintained the forces position as one of the safest places in England and Wales. I will be writing to Mr Prince’s family to send them condolences on behalf of Dyfed-Powys Police and the force flag at Headquarters is being flown at half-mast in remembrance of Mr Prince.”
A regional meeting of Police Chaplaincy UK in Wales will be taking place on Friday 12th May 2017 at Heddlu Dyfed-Powys Headquarters, Llangynnwr, Carmarthen.