The Revd Dr Helen Williams has been named as the new Archdeacon Designate of Bodmin.

Helen is currently Team Vicar in the Shaftesbury Benefice in the Diocese of Salisbury.

Helen, who will be moving to the diocese with two cats and two dogs, brings a wealth of experience of ministry, particularly rural ministry and working with children and young people.

Helen’s background is in astrophysics, and after having children, she was licensed as a Reader in Winchester Diocese and also trained as a science teacher. After moving to Dorset, she became a Licensed Lay Minister in Salisbury Diocese. She continued to teach while training for ordination at Sarum College in Salisbury. She served her curacy in the parish of Wareham in Dorset, before moving to her present post.

Helen says: “I am thrilled to be invited to take up the role of Archdeacon Designate of Bodmin and am looking forward to getting to know the Christian community in this stunning area.  I am excited by what I hear that God is doing in Cornwall and can’t wait to join in.”

The Ven Clive Hogger, Archdeacon of Cornwall, said: “I am very excited at the prospect of working with Helen as she steps into this role. She will be such a blessing to us all here in the Diocese of Truro, and especially in the Archdeaconry of Bodmin.”

The Rt Revd David Williams, Bishop of Truro, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Helen Williams is moving from the Diocese of Salisbury to be Archdeacon Designate of Bodmin designate here in Truro. Helen’s entire adult life has seen a deep commitment to the life of the local Church including a substantial amount of time as a lay reader. I look forward to seeing all of her deep spirituality, her intellect but most of all her compassion to the life of the Diocese of Truro and look forward to working alongside her in our senior team here. Do please pray for Helen as she prepares to move to Cornwall.”

While Helen’s start date has yet to be confirmed, it is expected that she will be in post in the summer.