Head of Operations

This may not be the best photo of James, but you can't deny that the enthusiasm he brings to his job with us is evident all over his face! However, today we are sharing some great news for him and some sad news for us.

James writes:

A Change of Seasons

I have some news to share. After 3 wonderful years as the Head of Operations with St Mary Redcliffe I will be departing in early 2025. I have been offered the role as Director at the Dr Jenner House and Museum, an opportunity I have found too great a chance to turn down.

When I arrived at St Mary Redcliffe back in early 2022 I was inspired by the vision and ambition of those I met from across the breadth of the Church. There was a determination and be the best the Church could be for the congregation, community, and visitors. This ambition was matched by the magnificent building and fascinating history that I fell in love with as I discovered more and more about it.

The pandemic had obviously caused a setback to the development plans in some areas, with the Parish Office still largely empty and the church not yet fully reopened. In other ways the church had sped up plans, in particular the community team and the development of the Hub was a huge success. There was a lot of work to do.

Since those early days, almost 3 years ago, I am proud of the part I have played in a period of reflection and recovery, followed by significant changes to the fabric of the organisation (both physical and metaphorical!). From light shows welcoming 15,000 visitors, significant changes in financial and compliance management, the restoration of the South Porch, and the national coverage of the new Colston panels as we continue explore the contested heritage of the church. We have invested in the future sustainability of the Church, exploring heating and lighting options that will help contribute to the Church of England’s net zero ambitions. We are working hard to improve the financial outlook for the building, with our events business growing from £7000 to £70,000 in just a few years, changes to our fundraising, and starring roles in TV productions. We continue to realise the amazing heritage potential of the building with increasing visitors, drawn by exhibitions and improved interpretation of the many stories of St Mary Redcliffe. St Mary Redcliffe is deservedly retaking its place in the centre of modern Bristol life.

Most importantly, I am so proud of the incredible team of staff, clergy, volunteers, and contractors that I have had the pleasure of working alongside. The staff team has changed significantly over the last few years as we have sought out the best people to take on the opportunities and challenges of the Church’s mission and vision. Being a part of the Senior Leadership Team with Laura and Dan has been a privilege, and I am confident that the future of St Mary Redcliffe is ambitions but resourced. Change is a part of life, and it is with very mixed feelings that I share my news with you. I genuinely love my job, and I love working with this these incredible people. I am proud of the journey we have come on and know there will continue to be a great future ahead here, hopefully for at least another 800 years.

I will be working hard over next few months with the SLT and churchwardens to find the best possible candidate to fill this role and to ensure a smooth handover process. Although my departure is still a little way off yet, I just want to share how grateful I am to you all for being so welcoming, supportive, and kind. Thank you, this is truly a special place.

We will miss James' boundless enthusiasm and will always be grateful for the amazing journey he has taken us on. However, we cannot stand still and we are now looking for his successor.

Terms & Conditions can be found on the website here: Head of Operations Ts&Cs

Full Job Pack can be downloaded here: Head of Operations Job Pack

Please do share this information as widely as possible.

Dan Tyndall

15 November 2024

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Interregnum Information

By Laura.Verrall-Kelly • August 7, 2025

Keeping You Updated During the Interregnum As I prepare to go on maternity leave at the end of August, I want to share some important updates regarding our Sunday Services and communication during the Interregnum period. We’ve taken time to consider what is sustainable and meaningful in this season of transition, and while some of the changes have been difficult, they are intended to ensure we can continue to worship together well. Service Changes 8am BCP Eucharist We’ve made the difficult decision to pause this service during the vacancy, following a PCC vote (with 3 votes against). This is due to the limited availability of clergy to cover two Eucharist services on a Sunday. We’re grateful that this decision has allowed us to secure strong cover for the other services. If you’re looking for an early service, the Cathedral offers Morning Prayer at 7.40am and BCP Eucharist at 8am. This change to the 8am will happen from the beginning of October. Mattins & Evensong These will continue with support from a growing team of Lay Leaders. If you're interested in helping lead, please speak to Simon Goodman. Please note: bespoke online orders of service will no longer be produced weekly. Instead, we will use a standard booklet and hymn book in church. Online viewers will receive a standard order of service plus a document with Bible readings and hymns. 10.30am Sung Eucharist Some small changes are being made to simplify things for visiting clergy: Notices will be read by a Church Warden, Duty Warden or Church Representative Communion distribution will return to queue formation A Gradual Hymn will replace the Responsorial Psalm - there is simply not the resource to produce a weekly or termly Psalm hand out in church. We’ll use a standard “Eucharist during the Vacancy” order of service (in booklet form), with hymn books provided in church. As with other services, online resources will mirror this setup. These changes to the 10.30am will happen from the 17th August. Christingle Service Due to the scale of this service and the planning it requires, we’ve made the difficult decision to pause it this year. Without full-time clergy to oversee preparations and lead the service, we don’t believe we can deliver it safely or well. We know this will be disappointing, but this service will be back. Ongoing Communication Thanks to Chris Duncan and Sam Love, we will continue to send out a weekly email during the Interregnum. I’m very grateful to both of them for stepping up to support in this way. We know some of these decisions may not affect everyone, while others may feel them more deeply. We don’t expect universal agreement, and that’s okay — your questions and thoughts are welcome and valued. All we ask is that feedback is offered with kindness and respect for those who have worked hard to make these plans in a short space of time. Thank you for being part of this community and for your ongoing support as we navigate this together.