A congregation of more than two hundred gathered at Bradford Cathedral on a Saturday afternoon to welcome the new Archdeacon of Bradford, the Ven Dr Andy Jolley.
The guests included civic leaders including the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Cllr Joanne Dodds, many from Andy’s former parish of Aston and Nechels, as well as two Sudanese bishops – Bishop Hassan and Bishop Abdu - visiting the area as part of a link between West Yorkshire and the Dales and Sudan.
Andy was presented with a voucher for two for a curry at Akbars and two bottles of local beer as local individuals and groups came up to welcome the new Archdeacon.
The new Archdeacon was formerly Vicar of Aston and Nechells in the Diocese of Birmingham. He succeeds the Ven. Dr David Lee and will have a wide range of responsibilities overseeing and supporting the churches of the Bradford Episcopal Area and working with the Area Bishop of Bradford, the Rt. Revd Toby Howarth who led Saturday’s service.
Before ordination, Andy (54), qualified as a Chartered Mechanical Engineer, working in the motor industry for Ford and then as a management consultant for Coopers & Lybrand. He trained for ordination at St John’s Nottingham and served a curacy in Sparkhill, Birmingham before becoming vicar of Aston Parish Church in September 2002. In 2005 he was also given responsibility for St James’ and St Matthew’s Churches in what is now the Parish of Aston and Nechells. He also served as Area Dean of the Aston Deanery for 7 years.
Andy, whose doctoral research focused on relating faith to work has been applying his findings to developing the Church of England Birmingham’s Mission Apprentice Scheme and New Wine’s Urban network. He said, “I am humbled and excited to be invited to join the leadership team of the Diocese, particularly at this early stage of its life, and to make a contribution to Bishop Nick's shared vision of enabling Christians to live and tell the good news of Jesus with confidence.
Andy is married to Ricky, who is a GP. They have two children: Beth, who is in her final year at university, and Matt, who has just left school. Andy enjoys getting fresh air - especially by cycling, walking or skiing - watching films and sports, and relaxed meals with friends.