Rector of Whitehaven to retire

The Reverend David Whitehead, Rector of Whitehaven, is to retire, it was announced this morning in St James' church.

David Whitehead was appointed in late 2013 following the retirement of the Reverend John Bannister whose time as Rector had been marked by community campaigns on a host of issues, particularly the "Save our Services" campaign to support hospital services at West Cumberland Hospital.

David took up his post on 30th June and in a very short time established a reputation as a friendly, caring and helpful pastor, a powerful and impressive speaker, and looked set to be a very worthy successor to his distinguished predecessor. But sadly it was not to be.

A few weeks after taking up the appointment David Whitehead was taken seriously ill, and he has been on extended sick leave for the past six months. On the advice of his doctors David has now decided to take early retirement. He wrote a letter to the parishioners of Whitehaven, which was read out at St James's church this morning, explaining this decision and expressing his regret that his ministry in Whitehaven had been cut short.

The Archdeacon will be meeting the PCC as soon as possible to put in place the process to appoint a successor.

I would like to put on record my appreciation for the warmth, good humour, and dedication which David Whitehead brought to the role of Rector of Whitehaven during his all-too-short time in the post.

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