People Update – October 2026
PARISH
MOVING ON
Revd Canon Steve Silvester at present Rector in the Benefice of Nottingham St Nicholas and Priest in charge of St Christopher’s with St Philip’s, Sneinton, is to retire with effect from 8th December. Steve’s last Sunday will be 1st November. Please join us in praying for Steve as he prepares for a new season, and for St Nic’s as they prepare for a period of vacancy.
NEW RECTOR FOR RETFORD ST SAVIOUR
Revd Canon Mark Dunstan at present Rector of Hunsdon with Widford and Wareside, Rural Dean of Hertford and Ware and Honorary Canon of St Albans Abbey in the Diocese of St Albans, is to be Rector of the Benefice of Retford, St Saviour. Mark will be licensed on 17th January at 3pm. Please pray for Mark as he prepares for this move.
NEW AREA DEAN FOR GEDLING
Revd Craig Hunt, Vicar of St Mary’s Arnold, is to be Area Dean of Gedling for a period of 3 years (beginning on 16th September). Please join us in prayer for Craig as as he continues to build on the firm foundations that the Deanery Leadership has laid.
NEW AREA DEAN FOR NOTTINGHAM NORTH
Revd Mark Fraser, Rector of St Leonard’s Wollaton, is to be Area Dean of Nottingham North for a period of 3 years (beginning on 16th September). Please join us in prayer for Craig as as he continues to build on the firm foundations that the Deanery Leadership has laid.
OBITUARIES
The Revd. Geoffrey (Geoff) Maltby, a retired Priest formerly living in Rainworth and more latterly in a Care Home in Matlock died on 25th August 2026, aged 88. Geoff was ordained Deacon in 1970 and Priest in 1971 in the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham and served his curacy at St. Mark’s, Mansfield (1970-1973). Geoff became Vicar of St. Andrew’s, Skegby with All Saints’, Stanton Hill (1973-1978) and then Vicar of St. John the Evangelist, Carrington (1978-1987). He was Assistant Curate at St. Simon & St. Jude, Rainworth also serving as part-time Chaplain with the Central Notts Healthcare Trust (1987-1990). In 1990, Geoff became the full-time Diocesan Chaplain for People with Learning Disability and additionally was an Honorary Canon of Southwell Minster in 1999 until his retirement in 2003. Geoff served with Permission to Officiate until 2022. A particular focus of Geoff’s ministry was working with L’Arche Community, both nationally and internationally, together with local involvement with ‘Faith and Light’ in support of individuals and families living with disability. A service to celebrate Geoff’s life and ministry will be held on 7th October 2026, 11:30 am at St. Giles Church, Matlock. All are welcome to attend.