Archdeacon Anne, who is already a Residentiary Canon of Wells Cathedral and a member of the Chapter, the governing body of the Cathedral, will take on the role from  Wednesday 1 February 2023. The Revd Charlie Peer, currently the Head of Mission Support and Ministry Development for the Diocese of Bath and Wells, will become Acting Archdeacon of Wells.

Commenting on the appointment, Bishop Michael says,

“As a Crown appointment, it will take time for a new Dean of Wells to be appointed. Anne has great love for her archdeaconry that is matched only by her love for the Cathedral and I am deeply grateful to her for agreeing to temporarily hand over her duties of Archdeacon of Wells in order to lead the cathedral while we find a permanent Dean of Wells. We are blessed with a wealth of talent in Bath and Wells who will step up and take on new responsibilities as a result of this appointment, with grace, skill and dedication, including Charlie Peer who will become Acting Archdeacon of Wells.”

A message from Anne:

“It will be a privilege to be working more closely with the whole Cathedral team, the city and the county of Somerset, and I look forward to furthering these many relationships. I welcome the opportunity under God to develop our common life, to deliver needed change, and to reset the Cathedral as a place of welcome, acceptance and hope.”

Anne will hold the role of Acting Dean of Wells until a permanent Dean is appointed, which is expected to be the end of the year.