After more than three decades of extraordinary dedication and faithful service across our diocese, we say a fond and grateful farewell to Sue Chandler, whose time with us began shortly after she moved to Dorset in 1991. What started as a new chapter in her working and personal life, quickly grew into a deep and lasting commitment to the church in the diocese, its people and its flourishing.
Sue arrived in Dorset already steeped in church life, having served on PCCs since the age of 18 and held various roles in her previous parish. True to form, she immediately became involved here, too – warmly welcomed by the vicar in her new parish, who had been forewarned in the best possible way with these words: “Go and welcome her with open arms. She’s good.”
Her formal work with the diocese began in February 2010, when she joined the Initial Ministerial Education (IME) team – initially as a volunteer – bringing with her a wealth of experience from a long career in training and mentoring with multinational bank, J.P. Morgan. When the IME lead went on long‑term sick leave, Sue stepped in seamlessly, taking on a part-time paid role whilst still maintaining her volunteering contribution. Over the years, she has supported countless curates through their training, guided new incumbents and offered steady discernment as a Bishop’s Advisor.
Beyond IME, Sue quietly took on responsibility for the often invisible but vital structural work that keeps our formation and wellbeing systems running, including managing complex budgets, as well as undertaking volunteer roles such as Deanery Treasurer and Lay Chair for Blackmore Vale, amongst others. She ceased being a paid member of the IME team in 2023 but has continued to volunteer since, focussing on clergy wellbeing.
When asked for an outstanding memory from her 35 years of service in the diocese, Sue recalled the day of Bishop Nick Holtam’s consecration as a bishop at St Paul’s Cathedral – the only time she has sat beneath the cathedral’s great rotunda. Receiving communion from the then Archbishop of Canterbury, the Rt Revd Rowan Williams, and attending the reception at Lambeth Palace marked, for her, a moment of profound privilege and connection.
The big question - what’s next? For now, Sue plans to pause, breathe and not take on anything new, a well-earned change of pace. She will continue her parish commitments as both a churchwarden and PSO, but beyond that, she intends to wait until the autumn before making any decisions. More walks, more time with family and maybe – just maybe! – a gentler rhythm of life all beckon.
The final word goes to Sue as she reflects on the past 35 years and what she will miss most: “I’m so glad we moved to Dorset and that I’ve been able to be involved in the churches here. When you move somewhere new, having a ready-made community is such a gift – it really is. I’ve loved it. I’ve loved everything I’ve been able to do for the local church, for the deanery and for the diocese. What I will miss most is the opportunity to travel around the diocese – visiting parishes, meeting our wonderful incumbents and helping them settle into ministry. That, I will truly miss.”