“…Our Deanery Administrator, is invaluable….”

This year we have been sharing stories about the type of roles people play in the life of the diocese. In this piece, we speak to Ann Bradbury, who is a Deanery Implementation Team Secretary and Deanery Administrator.

 

From creating newsletters to finding donkeys, being Deanery Administrator and DiT Secretary is a varied and interesting role for Ann Bradbury.

Ann has lived in Cornwall for 26 years after relocating from Staffordshire. Church has always been part of her life and she is also churchwarden and organist at St Wynwallow Church.

Becoming Deanery Administrator, with DiT (Deanery Implementation Team) and CIC Secretary duties included, was a natural step for her when she was appointed in 2023.

She says: “The role came at a perfect time when my life was changing – God definitely had a plan for me.”

Ann says the role is constantly evolving and is very busy. It was a new position when she started and so with Rural Dean, Revd Heidi Huntley also arriving at the same time, they were able to work together and make the role work for the deanery.

Ann is the main point of contact for general enquiries and is involved in safeguarding, completing DBS checks, creating a monthly newsletter, and more. She tracks safeguarding training across the deanery for Churchwardens/PCCs and helps to organise any face-to-face training sessions and assists those carrying out online training.

She also is the first port of call for those wanting to get married in a church in the deanery by assisting with the required initial checks.

People send her many questions and requests – including how to find a donkey.

“I had an email once, a secret email from the groom who said; ‘I don’t suppose you know anybody who has a donkey?’…” – Ann

She says: “I had an email once, a secret email from the groom who said; ‘I don’t suppose you know anybody who has a donkey?’

“Apparently, the bride loved donkeys and he wanted to surprise her as she came out of the church.

“As it happened, I did know somebody, so I was able to help there.”

Ann also maintains many of the A Church Near You pages for churches within the deanery.

Although she works from home, Ann says she is often out and about seeing people or taking part in meetings. She also attends regular check-ins with others who have the same role as deaneries from across the diocese so they can share experience.

Revd Heidi Huntley, Rural Dean of Kerrier Deanery, says: “Ann, our Deanery Administrator, is invaluable. She has a wealth of knowledge about the deanery and diocese and easily directs people to where they need to be.

“She’s also a lovely friendly figure in Kerrier and she is our go-to person when we need help.”

“She’s also a lovely friendly figure in Kerrier and she is our go-to person when we need help.” – Revd Heidi Huntley

Ann’s advice to those thinking of taking up a role such as hers is ‘be organised’ and learn about the way deaneries and parishes work.

She says: “It’s a really fulfilling role, extremely varied, and there is never a dull moment, so go for it.

“You have to be focussed, prioritise and be very organised, but it’s nice being part of the deanery as a whole – I hope that in some way I help the deanery seem smaller by being a central point of contact.

“Once in post, get in contact with someone who is already doing the job – there are a few around now – even though each Deanery Administrator’s role is quite different, it is really helpful to get their insight.”