Following interviews held on Monday, 16th March 2026, we are pleased to announce that the Bishop of Buckingham, the Right Rev’d Dave Bull, has offered Rev’d Michelle Fotherby the position of Rector of the Benefice. Michelle has accepted the offer. Michelle currently serves as Assistant Curate at St Mary's Amersham with All Saints', Coleshill. At present, we are unable to say when Michelle will be moving to the Benefice. However, we will keep you updated as plans develop and details are finalised.
Michelle writes the following message to us all:
‘I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as your new Rector, and I’m really looking forward to all that lies ahead as we begin this new chapter together. When I came for the interview, I was struck by the warmth of your welcome and the strong sense of community among you. It was clear to me that there is a great deal of love and faith here, and I feel very privileged to be joining you. I’m also so encouraged by all that you have continued to sustain during the vacancy.
As we begin Holy Week and walk again the path that Jesus took, I want you to know that I will be holding you in my prayers, even before I arrive, as we remember all that He has done for us.
My two teenage boys and I are really looking forward to getting to know you, to worshipping together with you, and to sharing in the life of the church as we seek to follow God and share His love in this place.’
Please keep Michelle, George and Henry in your prayers as they prepare to move to our churches.
The Advert for a new Rector went live on Friday 24th January. You can view it here: https://jobs.churchtimes.co.uk/jobs/Rector--in-London-and-Home-Counties-jn14461.
You can also see a copy of the profile here: Prestwood and Gt Hampden Parish Profile Jan 2026.pdf
The closing date for applications is 19th February 2026, with visits and interviews taking place on 15th/16th March 2026.
The following was announced at services on Sunday 18th January 2026:
On Tuesday 13th January 2026, the PCCs of St Mary Magdalene and Holy Trinity met with the Right Reverend Dave Bull (Bishop of Buckingham) and the Reverend Sally Moring (Area Dean, Wendover), in order to review and approve the Parish Profile and Job Advertisements for a new Rector for the Benefice.
It is now planned to advertise the role of Rector in the Church Times, Diocesan and Church of England Pathway Web sites during January and February. Closing date for applications will be 26th February with interviews taking place on Monday 16th March 2026.
As the interviews will be taking place during the working day Hannah Goldsmith has had to step down as one of the HTP interviewers; the PCC has appointed Fran McLean in her place.
The Profile has been produced by a dedicated team of Church members from both churches, and we wish to thank Barbara Paterson, Val Gristwood, Dorothy Charles, Roger Craft, Fran McLean, Lesley Wickham, Alex Fallon, Nigel Bicknell and the Reverend Kayleigh Lucas for such dedicated work. Thanks also to Lesley Nicholl for the professional production of this profile which has received many positive comments from the Bishop and other church representatives. As soon as the final profile is published, we will add this to the website.
We will continue to keep you informed of progress. Meanwhile please continue to pray – Bishop Dave emphasised the importance of prayer both at this moment and in the selection and interview process. Any questions talk to the Wardens.
Robert Hart, Val Gristwood & Barbara Paterson
A small group formed from both PCCs have begun to write our Parish Profile.
We need your help. We would like to include some quotes from parishioners about their thoughts/experiences of Holy Trinity or St Mary Magdalene. Something short and punchy.
Please either put in the box at the back of either church or give to a PCC member by Sunday 26th October.
We may not be able to use all the quotes. Quotes will be anonymous.
It is hoped we will have a draft profile written by mid-November.
We invite you to pray for the Benefice during this process and have produced a prayer card which can be used during the vacancy. Please take one home.
Holy Trinity, Prestwood is an Inclusive Church. We are part of the Church of England.
We are in the Oxford diocese and the Wendover Deanery.
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Holy Trinity, Prestwood is a registered charity, no. 1129233.
