This week, we say farewell to the Very Reverend Tim Barker as he retires as Dean of Guernsey, a role he has held since 2015. We asked Tim to reflect on his time in Guernsey and share some of his highlights and memories from his years as Dean.
“When I was ordained as a deacon in Chester Cathedral 46 years ago, I had no idea what plans God might have for me – and least of all that I would be retiring from stipendiary ministry as Dean of Guernsey.
“I leave Guernsey next month with profound gratitude for the privilege of being the Dean and with many memories:
- The people in Alderney, Guernsey and Sark whom I have met over the past 11 years, and especially those whom I have met through baptisms, marriages and funerals;
- Having a role in significant events in Guernsey – Liberation Day and other island celebrations, such as services to mark the deaths of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, and the Royal visits;
- Living through the pandemic, and working with other church leaders and faith groups as we sought to respond to unprecedented demands;
- Celebrating the relationships between Guernsey and both Masnières in northern France (where men of the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry fought bravely in 1917) and Biberach in southern Germany (the town to which many Guernsey people were deported in 1942);
- Chairing the directors of Elizabeth College, and the Social Investment Fund, which has made grants of over £6m to Guernsey charities in recent years;
- Walking with Mike Keirle, the Dean of Jersey, from Winchester to Salisbury in November 2022, to symbolise our new relationship with the Diocese of Salisbury, and helping that relationship to develop."
Bishop Karen said: “We are really grateful to Tim for his faithful ministry as Dean of Guernsey. It has been enriching to have had him as part of the leadership team these past few years, and to develop the important relationship with the Bailiwick. We have much appreciated Tim's contribution, and our thanks and prayers go with him and Judy as they retire and settle in Kent.”