We return to our meet-the-team series two minute interview. This week we chatted to Jeremy Wilding.
Jeremy is the Diocesan Registrar and a Consultant Solicitor at Gabbs Solicitors in Hereford. Jeremy was educated at Hereford Cathedral School and, after reading law at university, he qualified as a solicitor in 1987. He has spent all of his career in the diocese. He has previously held various personal appointments and memberships, including: Under Sheriff of Herefordshire (2011 - 2023), Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Three Choirs Festival Society and Chair of the Hereford Three Choirs Festival (for three successive festivals between 2006-2012). In 2016 he was awarded an MBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
I: Hi, Jeremy. Good to sit down and chat for a few minutes. Hopefully, you've seen the format of this type of interview so you know the type of questions we're going to ask. Here goes. Our first question is easy: Can you explain what a Registrar does in the Church of England?
JW: That’s a really good question! I am legal adviser to the bishop and to the diocese, but that can cover anything from legal issues relating to graves, to acting as clerk to the Consistory (or church) Court which deals with faculty applications (authorising work to churches and the like), to marriage queries, safeguarding or disciplinary matters, and the drawing up of a host of legal documents and licences. I have been in the legal world for many years, but this role has involved more “pure law” than any other. It is highly stimulating work!
I: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
JW: Increasingly, I am more than happy just being here in our lovely part of the world. I have learned to be content in the moment, to enjoy the place where I am. Having said that, a trip to Lords to watch a Test Match, or a visit to a festival or a concert hall to hear a top-notch orchestra is always appealing. We are going to Edinburgh in the Spring, and I am particularly looking forward to hearing the Royal National Scottish Orchestra play Tchaikovsky’s Pathetique Symphony in the Usher Hall. With some fine art galleries and interesting museums thrown in, I will be very happy.
I: What is the most interesting place you have been?
JW: We have some real gems round the diocese. Alberbury church with its noble tower, for example, and I am increasingly drawn to Abbey Dore with its timeless sense of prayer. Then there is Eardisley with its spectacular Norman font, and what about Cardington nestling serenely in the shadow of mighty Caer Caradoc? I recently visited Coalbrookdale, and I am fascinated by the role which Ironbridge played in the Industrial Revolution. I haven’t been to Claverley yet, but I really want to see the famous wall paintings there; Archdeacon Fiona has told me all about them! Above all, what I really appreciate is the warm welcome which I receive from so many good people as I travel round the diocese.
I: What’s your favourite book in the Bible and why?
JW: As a former cathedral chorister, I soon learned many of the psalms off by heart, and that has served me well when I have been at a loss to know quite how best to pray in difficult situations. John’s gospel with its use of imagery and symbols is good. I love Luke and the way he tells stories and makes the characters come alive.
I: Final question is the one we ask everyone - What do you enjoy about working at Hereford Diocese?
JW: My family has direct connections with the diocese going back to the 1940s, and my ancestors lived in Old Radnor in the 18th century, so this area really is in my DNA! Having said that, there is something very special about being called to be part of the team here, now, at this time. Yes, it is challenging, but that will bring opportunities, and I believe God is working His purposes out. It is exciting to see what that might look like!