A Doncaster vicar, originally from Tredegar, will be the next Dean of Brecon.
Canon Dr Paul Shackerley, presently Vicar of Doncaster Minster, has been appointed as Dean by the Bishop of Swansea & Brecon, the Rt. Rev’d John Davies. His appointment follows the retirement this month of Geoffrey Marshall who served as Dean for five years.
Dr Shackerley was brought up in Tredegar, but he has served the entirety of his ministry in the Church of England. He has a wealth of wide ministerial experiences, both parochial and cathedral, as well as experience of engaging with the civic and business communities.
Following service in the Royal Army Medical Corps, Dr Shackerley worked in parishes as a Church Army Officer for eight years. He was ordained in 1993 and served in parishes in London and Chelmsford. In 2002 he was appointed as Residentiary Canon and Vice-Dean of Sheffield Cathedral, a post which he left in 2010 to take up his present appointment.
He will be installed on Saturday, September 13th.
Commenting on the appointment, Bishop John said “I am delighted that I have been able to appoint someone of Dr Shackerley’s experience and skills both to oversee the next stage in the life of Brecon Cathedral and to play a role in taking forward the developing work of mission and ministry in the Diocese. He comes to us having dealt with a wide variety of changes, challenges and opportunities in his past ministries, all of which will stand him in good stead for his new spheres of work.”
Dr Shackerley said, “I believe that I have been shaped and prepared for this next phase of ministry by the people and places of the parishes I have served, Sheffield Cathedral and the Archer Project (for homeless people), and Doncaster Minster, where I have enjoyed working in teams and in partnership with civic, businesses, tourism, and the arts.
“I am excited by the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon’s vision at a pivotal point in its life as the Cathedral and the whole people of God across the Diocese to use our gifts to make 2020 Vision a reality. Pray for me as I prepare to take up my new responsibilities as the Dean, that I will be a faithful ambassador for the Gospel, the Cathedral and the Diocese.”
The Rt. Revd Peter Burrows, Bishop of Doncaster, said, “I’m delighted by the news of Paul’s appointment but genuinely sorry to be losing him from Doncaster Minster. During his time at the Minster Paul has made significant developments in relation to worship, the rebuilding project and most significantly engagement with the life of the wider town. He has developed good relations with significant groups, organisations and leaders within the borough and made a valuable contribution to the town’s strategic development and future potential. He will, I know, be missed by many within the church and town and I wish him well for all the future as he returns to ministry in Wales.”
Dr Shackerley added that one of the attractions of Brecon was its jazz festival. He said, “I am looking forward to ‘coming home’ to Wales after nearly 40 years. I enjoy learning jazz on my baby grand piano, which I bought four years ago. Doncaster has a great jazz culture. So, I will enjoy Brecon for its jazz festival too.”
