On the Feast of the Epiphany Bishop David announced that he will be resigning his office as Bishop of this Diocese as of July 2010.

His farewell events take place on Saturday 3 July.

He will ordain priests in the morning and we will say our goodbyes to him and Sarah in the afternoon, finishing with Evensong here in the Cathedral.

From there they will go to County Durham where they have a home waiting and where he will pursue his many other interests - music, architecture and the arts.

There will be a chance later on to pay tribute to Bishop David’s leadership but we now share with the wider Diocese our sadness at seeing him go. Here in the Cathedral we have enjoyed a bishop who understands the building, the ministry and the liturgy as well as being a wonderful colleague and friend to so many.

From the Dawn Eucharist on Easter Day, Baptism and Confirmation services throughout the year and even as a conductor in the Southern Cathedrals Festival, we have an array of happy memories as he and Sarah have been a much loved part of our life.

We will want to wish them God speed as they begin their new journey.

June Osborne, Dean