The Right Reverend Peter Hancock, the Bishop of Bath and Wells has announced that the Revd Dr Adrian Youings will be the next Archdeacon of Bath.

Adrian is currently Rector of Trull and Angersleigh, two parishes on the edge of Taunton where he has served since 2003.  In addition, he became Rural Dean of Taunton Deanery in 2015.

Adrian succeeds the Venerable Andy Piggott who retired on 30 June after over 30 years in full-time ministry. He will be licensed as the Archdeacon of Bath in the autumn and will take up his appointment shortly thereafter.  The Revd Chris Hare has taken on the responsibilities of archdeacon in the interim period.

Commenting on the appointment, Bishop Peter says, “It is with great joy and anticipation that I announce Adrian’s appointment. We are truly blessed to have been able to appoint such a strong candidate from within one of our own parishes.  Since becoming Bishop of Bath and Wells I have worked closely with Adrian in his role as Rural Dean and have benefited from his wisdom, joyful faith and honesty.  Adrian will bring boundless energy to the role of Archdeacon and parishes can be sure of his wise counsel and good humour as he supports them to release their gifts and realise their mission.”

As well as having responsibility for the effective operation of the archdeaconry and its lay and ordained ministers, Adrian will also be a member of the Bishop’s Staff, the group of senior staff who support the Bishop of Bath and Wells in leading the diocese.

“I am excited and daunted in equal measure to be returning to Bath Archdeaconry to take on this role,” says Adrian. “I really believe that our diocese is at a pivotal moment, as we seek to reshape and refocus all that we are doing to enable us to carry out the great commission that Jesus gave us. I am passionate about encouraging and spurring on the people of God to go and be genuine good news, and share the good news of Jesus, with the people and communities of Somerset,” he adds.

Adrian was born and brought up in Romford, Essex. His links with Somerset were first forged when, after studying Biological Sciences at Exeter University, he completed a Doctorate at Bath University in yeast physiology sponsored by Showerings Cider in Shepton Mallet. After being called to the priesthood, Adrian completed theological training at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford and curacies in Dorking and South Croydon before joining the Diocese of Bath and Wells in 2003.

Adrian is married to Fran who has recently been accepted for ordination training, and has two children, Rebecca and Tom. The fifth member of the Youings family is a border terrier called Barney.

Adrian is a West Ham United fan and member of Trull Players amateur dramatics group – theatre-goers might even be treated to his Dame during panto season!

Notes

• The appointment is subject to DBS clearance.
• A date for Adrian’s licensing as Archdeacon of Bath will be announced in due course.