Thanks and best wishes to Bishop Nicholas and Helen

As Bishop Karen has announced, personal donations to the Aldhelm Mission Fund can be given via our JustGiving page.

The latest thanks and good wishes are below. 

This page will be updated regularly – keep checking to see if your message has appeared! The shortlink to this page is http://bit.ly/bpthanks.

4th July

David Prescott, Painswick
The seven years I spent in the Diocese of Salisbury were the happiest of my ministry, and I always felt supported and encouraged by you in my role as Chaplain at Warminster School. You were always wonderful with our confirmation candidates, and your talk on developing ideas on marriage at our Theology Group was so positive and helpful to many people. I wish you every happiness in your retirement, and thank you for your wise and warm leadership of the Diocese.

Bishop Karen tweeted:
Privilege yesterday to pray for +Nicholas as we said farewell and thank you to him and Helen for some extraordinary years of ministry. May they have a blessed retirement @DioSalisbury

The Children's Society Church Team tweeted:
Thanksgivings and prayers for Bishop @nicholasholtam a Vice President of @childrensociety and Bishop of @DioSalisbury as he retires as Bishop and Vice President. Our thanks for his great support and work to make a difference for children and young people. @gillfordTCS 

Bishop Graham Kings tweeted:
Thanks be to God for years of dedicated ministry @DioSalisbury and prayers for your retirement, Bishop Nicholas.

Bishop Andrew tweeted:
A moving farewell evensong for Bp Nick Holtam last night at @SalisburyCath. Much gratitude. @DioSalisbury

And A Rocha's Andy Lester replied:
He will be sorely missed. Thank you +Nick for all you have given to nature and to the local community too!

Margaret Rochester assured us of prayers on Facebook.

3rd July

Anthony Durkin, Leigh
Bishop Nicholas, thank you for your oversight and ministry within the Salisbury Diocese and beyond over the last 10 years. We are particularly grateful, here in Leigh, for your encouragement regarding the church's response to pressing ecological matters and the climate change crisis.
As a retired priest holding your PTO, I know full well the new opportunities for ministry and reflection retirement can bring. I hope and pray that same kind of fulfilment will be yours as you explore what the Holy Spirit has in store for you.
Every good wish to you and your family

Revd Joy Albone, Melksham
Dear Bishop Nicholas and Helen
Please accept my thoughts and prayers that go with you as you retire and prepare for your move to Brighton.
Thank you for all you have done in this diocese and for me personally.
with every blessing, Joy

Martyn and Debs Underhill, Wimborne
Nick and Helen
Enjoy your new journey, I started mine 8 weeks ago. Nick, you embraced me and helped me fulfill God's work, thank you for your vision and passion. Now rest!

Jonathan Burke, Bournemouth
A sincere "Thank you", Bishop Nicholas, for being such a wise and human pastor to us in this Diocese, giving us so much. We have been truly blessed and wish you and Helen a fulfilling retirement.

Dr Gillian Perrott, Beaminster
Thank you so much for your inspiration regarding Eco matters specially Eco Church. Some time after you came to Salisbury you influenced the clergy to take more of a stand on the environment. The upshot of this was that David Baldwin finally asked me to register St Mary's for Eco Church with A Rocha. This had long been my hope & desire. The rest is history as we worked hard & achieved our Gold Award last summer! Now I am working hard with a team & PCC towards Carbon Zero. The project to install Solar PV has been approved by the PCC & I am hoping to get their approval very soon for 2 ASHPs to be installed as we already have underfloor heating from our gas boiler.
The most exciting thing about Eco Church is how it has taken us out into the community and working with the Town Council on actions to address the Climate Emergency.
Very many congratulations in achieving the first Gold for the Cathedral recently. I'm sure your influence for caring for God's creation will continue as you travel into a new stage in your journey.
With best wishes & thanks, Gillian

Patricia Inglis, Stratford sub Castle
With grateful thanks for your ministry here in this Diocese. Thank you for your wise words, prayers and approachability. I wish you and Helen God's blessing on your exciting new adventure in retirement.

Kim and Robin Stephens, Salisbury
Dear Bishop Nicholas and Helen,
Thank you so much for your ministry over the last ten years. For all your hospitality, support and encouragement. Thank you especially for supporting myself and the chaplaincy at Salisbury hospital.
Praying that you will both be able to take a well deserved rest and enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle. We have all be so enriched by your presence and all you have given us .
With love, prayers and many blessings

Sheila and Graham Thomas, Ferndown
Dear Helen and Bishop Nick,
Thank you both for your fantastic ministry among us these last ten years. We've particularly enjoyed the way the Diocese is leading in ecological matters and this has been down to you and your inspiration and leadership. Thank you too for your messages of encouragement and hope which have been so helpful in these recent months.
We remember with particular fondness the pilgrimage to the Holy Land which you led and also when you came to bless our new loo at All Saints, West Parley!
We wish you a long and happy 'retirement'.
With love, Sheila and Graham

Helen Williams, Wareham
Dear Bishop Nicholas, I wanted to thank you so much for the welcome I had into Salisbury Diocese, first as an LLM and then as an ordinand and lastly as a curate. It was a privilege and a blessing to be ordained by you, and some of the things you have said will remain with me and shape my future ministry. Thank you. My prayers go with you for your retirement, although I'm sure God will continue to use you in his service.

Richard Holness, Royal Wootton Bassett
Thank you for your care and leadership in the good times and the more difficult times. Wishing you both every blessing for this next phase of your life together.
With prayers and best wishes, Richard.

Robert Floyd, Great Chalfield
Thank you for your loving care and leadership of our Diocese, your visits to our churches, & your teaching at our Quiet Garden from Julian of Norwich: with all best wishes to you and Helen for a long and happy retirement.

Sandra and Alan Henderson, East Knoyle
We would like to wish you both a peaceful and contented retirement, and to thank you for all your hard work throughout the last few years!

Ian Perryman, Marlborough
Enjoy the peace and rest.

Ron, Alice, Matilda and Daisy Martin, Sherborne
Sending all good wishes for yours and Helen’s retirement together. With grateful thanks for your inspirational and compassionate leadership and for your support and prayers for us as a family over the years. We will miss you and we will think of you and pray for you both often.

Salisbury Cathedral tweeted:
The Dean of Salisbury @nickcpapadop says “Bishop Nick has renewed our hope: he has been an honest, humane, and courageous leader; a generous neighbour; and an unfailing champion of @SalisburyCath. He and Helen leave with our thanks, our prayers, & our love”.

...and shared on Facebook. comments included
Gwen Sullivan:
Thank God for his leadership, instruction and loving kindness...

Tim Forrest:
Thanks for all his work and wisdom.

The Revd Jo Haine tweeted:
Bishop Nicholas takes his final service today before retiring as Bishop of Salisbury. I’m so thankful for all his support & encouragement.
In this interview he describes @DioSalisbury as a happy Diocese.
I agree thank you @nicholasholtam 
https://youtu.be/D3W6ifCKENM via @YouTube

Canon Jonathan Triffitt tweeted, and posted on Facebook:
Today we give thanks for the ministry of @nicholasholtam as he retires as #Bishop of #Salisbury. A faithful pastor & leader who has served God, @churchofengland & @DioSalisbury with such humility, prayerfulness, & wisdom. Well done good & faithful servant!

The Revd Heather Brearey tweeted:
Giving thanks today for the ministry of Bishop Nicholas
Here he is at the Sea of Galilee in January 2019 when he took a group of us curates to Israel
#Retirement is very much deserved
May God continue to bless him and Helen richly @DioSalisbury

Canon Jonathan Triffitt tweeted:
Such a privilege to be @SalisburyCath as @DioSalisbury bids farewell to Bishop Nicholas after 10 years of faithful service. For all that has been AMEN! And for all that is to come AMEN!

The Revd Matt Renyard tweeted:
Good to be a part of Choral Evensong @SalisburyCath as we say thank you and farewell to +Nicholas (@nicholasholtam) Amen to all that has been and Amen to all that will be. #thankyou @DioSalisbury @churchofengland

The Revd Jo Naish tweeted:
Thank you @nicholasholtam for all that you have given us, for your wisdom, guidance, humility and perseverance. With gratitude for your ministry among us. @DioSalisbury

The Revd Jo Haine tweeted:
For all that has been, thanks.
To all that will be, yes.
Praying for @nicholasholtam as he begins his retirement.
Praying for @bishsherborne as she leads us forward. 
@DioSalisbury @SalisburyCath

The Revd Andrew Downes tweeted:
Moving and personal Choral Evensong this evening as @DioSalisbury bids farewell to the unique Bishop Nick Holtam. Good job @nickcpapadop and team Salisbury Cathedral and not forgetting David and the choir……

And the Revd Jenny Taylor replied:
Very moving and oh SO sad for us that +N is leaving. We shall miss him so much.

Social Justice Manager Colin Brady tweeted:
First Eco Diocese bronze, first Eco Church gold, first Cathedral with gold award, highest proportion of parishes with #EcoChurch awards. Farewell Bishop Nick; we’ve come a long way. And indeed, the challenge of achieving Net Zero is daunting.

And Harnham Parish replied:
He will be greatly missed but what a wonderful green legacy & challenge for the future he has left us all

The Revd Leila Mather tweeted:
Giving thanks, this evening, for Bishop Nicholas, who has seen me through the entire discernment process, set me back on my feet after a particularly bad first BAP and offered constant encouragement as I've walked this vocational journey. Very moving service. #PrayServeGrow

2nd July

Canon Jenny and Geoff Taylor, Chalke Valley
Thank you for your Pastoral Ministry as Bishop among us. Your wisdom, inspiration, humour and pastoral sensitivity which we experienced to its fullness in the Holy Land will long remain with us. We wish you and Helen a well deserved time for refreshment by another sea in Brighton.

Suzanne Pattle, Colehill
To Bishop Nick and Helen
Thank you for your ministry among us, your wisdom, pastoral care and gracious hospitality. With prayers for a long, happy and fulfilling retirement.

1st July

Roddy and Fran, Beverley, East Yorkshire
Dear Nick and Helen, I hope your retirement brings you happiness and joy in the same way you inspired us during your time at St Martin in the Fields. Very best wishes, Roddy and Fran

@anglicansdeaf tweeted:
For Salisbury Diocese, this Saturday marks the retirement of Bishop Nicholas of Sarum. DAT wishes him a happy retirement with his wife Helen. Nick was Bishop for 10 years, and has been a Chair of CMDDP for a few years. @DioSalisbury @SalisburyCath @churchofengland

Lavender Buckland tweeted:
One of the very best Bishops - a light in the dark ages
The Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Rev Nicholas Holtam, stands outside the cathedral
The bishop, 66, will retire on Saturday, after leading a final Evensong
Bishop Holtam was ordained in 1979
He became Bishop in 2011.

Lavender also shared a photo by Russell Sach on Facebook:
One of the very best Bishops - a light in the dark ages
The Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Rev Nicholas Holtam, stands on Cloisters Green outside the cathedral in the Wiltshire city. The bishop, 66, will retire on Saturday afternoon after leading a final Evensong. Bishop Holtam was ordained as a deacon in 1979 before becoming a priest in 1980. He was promoted to his current role in 2011.

Michael Sadgrove, replying:
Yes, he is indeed.

Robyn Golden-Hann, replying:
Agreed <thumbs up>

Malcolm Grundy, replying:
I have known him since a student. He has contributed much. Will the C of E we have maintained and loved continue in its present form? Only if we get more bishops like +Nick.

Lavender, replying:
Malcolm Grundy we share this heartfelt reaction: where will the new Bishops emerge from, in the strange confusion that the CofE has become.

30th June

Sally Bedborough, Parkstone
Dear Bishop Nicholas, with very best wishes to you and Helen for your retirement. And with many thanks for your prayerful wisdom and welcome to others from ‘outside the box’! Remaining open-textured to the world and its people has been an inspirational hallmark of your ministry. Many thanks and every blessing to you both. Xx

29th June

Nicola, Matt, William & Oliver Swinnerton, Palestine, Hampshire (attend Salisbury Cathedral)
Thank-you for being so inspirational, forward thinking, caring and compassionate. Oliver was so proud to have you baptise and confirm him just a few weeks ago. The service and sermon were so very special, meaningful & relevant, and will be remembered & cherished by him and his fellow year 7 & 8 candidates. You will be sorely missed, but wishing you a restful, happy and peaceful retirement. From the Swinnerton family.

28th June

The Anglican Communion shared a post on Facebook, and there were many comments.
Oludayo Idowu:
Well done In The Vine Yard Of God, and may The Good Lord Bless your work, Lord Bishop.

Prince Godwin Jegede:
Congratulations

Toyin Adejuwon:
Congratulations. More grace.

Olum George:
Wonderful bishop may God continue blessing you and as well as the congregations of your diocese.

Jacob Michael:
God's blessings to you great man of God (GMOG).

Sarah Kiss:
I wish to join ur diocese

Aun Ja Kasung:
<animated heart picture>

Pauline Bird:
Blessings from Australia.

Treeza Kamal:
God bless you more

Wilson Chege:
Praise the Lord bishop God blessed u

Candida Peckley:
Good morning bishop.

Henry Butu:
Gods blessings upon your Diocese and all people

Johny PD:
I wish to join ur diocese

Shine Terry Uganda:
Congratulations

Paulin Zaralahy:
God bless our bishop

Junior Puhi:
Amen

Vony Arisoa:
God bless you Bishop

Kenneth Mokone:
May God bless you Bishop and I hope you have a great day today

Ja Bawk:
<animated heart picture>

David Victor Karunakaran:
Congratulations Bishop. Happy to see you. May God bless you and your Episcopal ministry abundantly

Esinath Gwatidzo:
Amen praise the lord

26th June

Maureen Lyons, Wilmington, Delaware, USA (attends St Margaret's Corsley, Wilts)
Thank you for your excellent prayerful leadership. Enjoy your days of "no alarm clocks". Blessings to you and Helen!

25th June

Victoria and Nicholas Osborn, West Moors
Like to wish Bishop Nicholas and Helen all the best and I have a picture of you with my young John and Zahra Rowland was holding him and with all the other visits to the church you made everyone at ease.
All the best and enjoy your retirement.

Lavender Buckland, Iwerne Minster
For the Church of England, this is an enduring model of how a Bishop should be - predominately pastoral, and spiritual - wisely and consistently leaving the Admin to others.
So many of us, in all the different parishes, have been visited, and felt reinvigorated through that great sense of shared ministries.
Thank you, Bishop Nicholas and to your wife, for this decade of gifts.

Chris Totney, Pewsey
Dear Bishop Nicholas, Thank you so much for your unstinting support of the choir at St John's, Devizes over the years. There is much to be thankful for as both you and I prepare to move on having served the Diocese in our own ways between 2011 and 2021. The children of the choir in particular have always valued your championing of their choral awards, and this support has also been recognised by their parents, who see real achievements gained, both individually and collectively, as they progress through the choir. Our radio broadcast together in 2019 to mark the end of the Creationtide season will live long in the memory, and I remember at the planning stages how the BBC were adamant that the service would go out live and that it would be from a parish church in the Diocese, rather than the Cathedral! Thank you so much for your friendship and support and I very much hope, together with Jennifer and Rosie, that we will all be able to stay in touch in the years to come. With thanks, prayers and best wishes, Chris, Jennifer and Rosie Totney.

Nicola and Freddie Coupe, The Lavingtons, Cheverells and Easterton
Dear Bishop Nicholas and Helen,
Thank you very much for the love and care you have brought to the Diocese through your leadership, prayers and actions. From Helen's practical support of Erlestoke Prison to +Nicholas' national leadership as an Eco Bishop that challenges us all to care for God's Creation for the generations to come... your reach has been positive and inspiring. Thank you! We wish you a very happy retirement and send prayers and best wishes in this time of change. We hope you will "indeed go out with joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." Isaiah 55:12

23rd June

Robyn Golden-Hann, Bemerton
Thank-you Bishop Nicholas for your years of faithful service, of kind fellowship and encouraging support; it has been a joy to serve the church under your guidance. With every blessing to you, Helen and all your family. May you enjoy many happy years of well earned rest in retirement!

22nd June

Carolyn Angelucci, Okeford
Thank you for all your pastoral work and Christian faith leadership, your kindness and openness. I recall the time you came to visit the bell ringers at St Nicholas' Church to celebrate the hanging of our new set of bells, and the wonderful day had by all visiting the Tate Gallery for the William Blake exhibition of his art. Wishing you both a long, happy, healthy and peaceful future together. 

Bishop Karen tweeted:
An honest, thankful, challenged, committed, faithful and hopeful Diocesan Synod tonight. Grateful to all those who have served for the last three years, for committed diocesan employees and for all that +Nick and Helen have given to us @DioSalisbury

And Bishop Ruth Worsley tweeted:
So good to hear and thank you too for all +Nick and Helen have been and given to me! @DioSalisbury

21st June

Katie Windle, Sherborne
Thank you for your wise, humble godly ministry and kindness. You will be greatly missed. May you know the joy of our Lord Jesus in the next stage of your adventure.

20th June

Catherine Bird, Shroton
Thank you for your dedicated and inspiring service during the last 10 years. With every good wish and blessings for your next adventure together.

Rosie Norman, Salisbury
Before you leave, I want to thank you so much for your wisdom and support in 2016 during my tenure as Churchwarden. With very best wishes to you and Helen for a long and fulfilling retirement.

Richard Jackman, Upper Wylye Valley
Was that really 10 years? Thank you for your inspiration and leadership on so many fronts. We followed you out of more than curiosity! As an Eco church, we’ll make some noise for you in the run up to COP26. Enjoy whatever comes next. Pray for us occasionally, as we will for you both.

19th June

Paula Kent, Bere Regis
Dear Bishop Nicholas,
I wanted to pass on my best wishes for your retirement. I hope you and Helen have many happy, fulfilling years to enjoy together after all your great service.
I also wanted to share something with you that I doubt you know. You, and other clergy, confirmed my daughter (now 21) a few years ago, at Salisbury Cathedral, sunrise on Easter Sunday morning. It was a wonderful occasion and one that we will all remember with great fondness.
What you may not realise and be amused to know, is that you were 'a hit' with her and the other young people from our church, and have since then been affectionately known, and referred to, as 'Bish Nish!' I can assure you that this is used as a term of respect and endearment. It was lovely to hear them speak of your understanding of them as young people - they were at their least accepting of 'us oldies' at the time and still you managed to connect with them in a way that they listened to and appreciated. Thank you.

Salisbury Cathedral tweeted an article featuring a picture of their Treasurer with Bishop Nicholas, saying:
"We’re pleased to announce that we’re the first Cathedral to be awarded a Gold #EcoChurch award by @ARochaUK. The award recognizes our pioneering environmental practices and conservation efforts within the church and local community."

The Cathedral added:
"It’s also a special moment for Bishop Nicholas as until recently he was the @ChurchofEngland’s lead bishop on the #environment. The award comes just before his retirement next month, following of 10 years of dedicated service to @DioSalisbury."

And Harnham Parish replied:
"An outstanding legacy for Bishop Nicholas to leave us with & inspire the rest of the diocese & other cathedrals <applause> <love>"

18th June

Tessa Mann, North Bradford on Avon and Villages
Dear Bishop Nicholas,
Thank you for your courageous, wise and grace filled leadership. Your witness and example has left a tremendous legacy. The Diocese is better for your presence. You will be greatly missed. Thank you so much for all you have offered. Have a blessed retirement with lots of fun!

The Pilsdon Community tweeted:
Bishop Nicholas's visit earlier this week
@nicholasholtam @DioSalisbury

Harnham Parish tweeted:
Congratulations @SalisburyCath what a wonderful legacy for Bishop Nicholas to leave us & inspire the rest of @DioSalisbury #EcoChurch 

Salisbury Cathedral tweeted:
It’s also a special moment for Bishop Nicholas as until recently he was the @ChurchofEngland’s lead bishop on the #environment. The award comes just before his retirement next month, following of 10 years of dedicated service to @DioSalisbury.

17th June

Jane Cribb, Wimborne
Dear Bishop Nicholas, My heartfelt thanks to you for your leadership and ministry during your time at Salisbury. I have particularly appreciated your enthusiasm for care of God's creation. The Lord bless you and your wife with a sense of his continuing presence as you move on to the next stage.

15th June

The Bishop's Chaplain tweeted:
Bishop Nicholas said farewell today to three wonderful spots in Dorset: Poole St Edward's RC-CE VA School, Pilsdon Community and Hilfield Friary - warm welcomes, stimulating conversations and generous hospitality.

Poole St Edward's School shared photos on Facebook, saying:
Bishop Nicholas Holtam visited the school today for a service of thanksgiving in recognition of his ministry in the Diocese of Salisbury and in our school, on the occasion of his retirement.
Bishop Nicholas was welcomed to a beautiful, sunny campus by students and joined guests for a socially-distanced service in the school chapel. Following the service, honoured guests were taken to the newly planted memorial garden for a rededication ceremony where the late Pam van Coller, a former teacher at St Edward’s whom the garden was originally dedicated to, was remembered.
Bishop Nicholas planted a new rose bush named ‘Tranquility’ in the garden and made reference to the paradox of its name which was at odds with its hazardous thorny stems and encouraged students to think about how this was much like life; you have to experience the thorns, the difficult and the painful parts to learn about your values and beliefs and to appreciate and reach tranquillity within God’s kingdom.
It was a beautiful service to mark and give thanks for Bishop Nicholas’ ministry and also to recognise and give thanks to the hard work of Site Manager, Mr Ricketts and his team in bringing the new memorial garden to life for all to enjoy.
#churchofengland #churchschool #salisburydiocese #dioceseofsalisbury #stedwardspoole #tranquilityrose

Hilfield Friary shared a photo on Facebook:
A farewell visit from Bishop of Salisbury Nicholas Holtam before he retires after 10 years in the Diocese. Nick joined us for an outdoor Evening Prayer in the sunshine , before tea and cakes and a small gift of Hilfield Friary goodies!

And Carole McCormack replied:
Lovely man and a caring leader!

11th June

Conor Burns, MP for Bournemouth West, posted photos on Facebook, saying:
Delighted to pay a visit to Salisbury Cathedral with the Right Reverend Nicholas Holtam this afternoon to thank him for his years of service to the Diocese and wish him and his wife well on his forthcoming retirement.

7th June

JustGiving sent a cheerful message to the Comms and Finance Teams:
"Your Thanksgiving gift for Bishop Nicholas page was one of the most successful JustGiving pages last month. Out of thousands of fundraisers, you were in the top 10%."
If you'd like to donate, there's still time! Click here...

21st May

The Most Revd Ezekiel Kondo, Primate of Sudan and Bishop of Khartoum, paid tribute to Bishop Nicholas' 10 years of support for the Salisbury-Sudans Link and the Episcopal Church of Sudan. Read More…

Bishop Karen announced that personal donations to the Aldhelm Mission Fund can be given via our JustGiving page, https://bit.ly/aldhelmthanks. Should you wish to send a message to be inserted into a card for Bishop Nicholas and Helen, please send it to sherborne.office@salisbury.anglican.org by the end of June.

24th April

The Archbishop of Canterbury paid a seven-minute tribute to Bishop Nicholas and to his wife Helen, at our Bishop's last General Synod. Read More…

General Synod tweeted:
The Archbishop of Canterbury @JustinWelby is now paying tribute to the Bishop of @DioSalisbury, Nicholas Holtam, who is retiring later in the year.

The Archbishop tweeted:
Bishop Nick has been the kind of maverick we want in the Church of England. Forthright, clear, passionate and dedicated. We are so grateful for your leadership. May God bless you and Helen.

Harnham Parish tweeted:
Very well said, Bishop Nick will be greatly missed in Salisbury

And Bishop Ruth Worsley tweeted:
So appreciated working with +Nick when I was Archdeacon of Wilts. What an example of holy and humble leadership! @DioSalisbury @BathWells Thank you Nick and Helen. Enjoy retirement!

4th March

John Glen MP thanked the Bishop for his contribution. He said he had enjoyed getting to know and working with the Bishop and Helen, his wife, and wished them both well in their retirement.

28th February

Wiltshire parishioner Lavender Buckland tweeted: 
"The Bishop of @DioSalisbury has led the way on climate change with skilled authority. As he approaches retirement, it is heartening that the Bishop of Norwich is to lead on this."

25th February

Green Anglicans tweeted: 
Delighted to hear that Bishop @bishopnorwich has been appointed as the new lead bishop on the Environment. Thankyou thankyou to Bishop Nick Holtam @DioSalisbury for your wonderful ministry... @CofEEnvironment @WCCclimate @ArchbishopThabo @capahq @EpiscoClimate @UNEPFaith4Earth

18th February

Rosie Stiven, Diocesan President of the Mothers’ Union in the Diocese of Salisbury, expressed her appreciation as the Bishop's planned retirement was announced. Read More…

11th February

Margaret Morrissey OBE tweeted:
Bishop Nicholas of Salisbury will be retiring in July https://bit.ly/2LGNbMV a member of his Bishops Council I have had the privilege to work closely with him learning much through his teaching & example & increased my faith the is the holiest fairest, kindest of men.

Margaret also posted on Facebook, and in Dorchester Deanery Synod:
Bishop Nicholas Holtam Bishop of Salisbury has annoucned he will be retiring in July 2021
Having been a member of Bishops Council for the last 5 years I have had the privilege to work closely with Bishop Nick, it has been a very rewarding time where I have learnt much and been able through his teaching and example increase my faith, all done with much prayer laughter and comradeship. Having worked with a selection of Bishops over many years 1969 to 2021 in Southwark and Salisbury all who were very worthy men, Bishop Nick is the fairest, kindest of men and a joy to be around it will be a sad day in July when we say goodbye. 
May you and Helen enjoy your retirement and your Grandchildren for many years to come.

9th February

Our Chaplain to the Deaf Community Neil Robinson gave a heartfelt tribute in BSL (British Sign Language), speaking of the Bishop's welcome, wisdom and humour. Watch the short YouTube clip here.

2nd February

Bishop Karen, who will be the acting Bishop of Salisbury during the vacancy, spoke on behalf of the Diocese, saying:

“Bishop Nicholas has brought a rich and wise attentiveness to the Diocese of Salisbury over the last 10 years for which we are extremely grateful. His vision to renew hope has led to a sharing of his interests in the environment, inclusion, and the arts with us all.

“Nick is held in high regard across the Church of England and his national roles have informed us locally. His thoughtful faith continues to inspire people across Wiltshire, Dorset and beyond and his deep commitment to us all and the local church has enabled the Diocese to remain resilient in spirit during challenging times.

“Helen has had her own ministry which has also been much appreciated with many enjoying her warm hospitality, care, origami and baking. We are pleased to have them with us for a little while longer and shall miss both of them very much, wishing them a very happy retirement in July.”

Bishop Andrew said:

"Bishop Nicholas has led the Diocese of Salisbury with wisdom and unstinting devotion. The news of his forthcoming retirement will be greeted with sadness yet also much gratitude - for his deep confidence in the local church and the Godliness and generosity of his vision. He and Helen will be greatly missed.

“I look forward to working with Bishop Karen - and the Dean, Diocesan Secretary and Archdeacons - to renew hope at a time of unprecedented transition. Our Lord is near."

Diocesan Secretary David Pain added:

“Bishop Nicholas has been an inspiration and encouragement to many, within and beyond the church. I have experienced him as able to both affirm what is good in all that we inherit and at the same time envision and encourage change where it is needed.

“His vision for ‘Renewing Hope’ has shaped the Diocese and is as relevant now as ever. In a fast-changing context his belief that the local church is the place where the Church of England is at its best will continue to be important as we all seek to respond to God’s calling on our lives. Nationally, in church and parliament, he has been a great advocate for climate justice as well as a champion for inclusion which will remain fundamental to our shared future. His wisdom in these and many other areas will be greatly missed.

“People across the Diocese will want, I am sure, to unite in wishing him and Helen every happiness as they prepare for retirement.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, thanked Bishop Nicholas for his work leading the Church of England’s Environment programme, saying:

“During Bishop Nick’s tenure as lead bishop for the environment, his moral clarity and Christ-centred vision for the Church’s role in tackling the climate crisis have shown themselves time and time again. We are all the beneficiaries of his leadership, and I give thanks for the legacy he leaves: from the Church’s first ever Green Lent campaign, to initiatives aimed at helping parishes reduce their carbon footprint. Most enduringly, I hope, we have Bishop Nick to thank for a landmark General Synod motion in 2020 setting a target of net zero across the whole Church by 2030.

“I am deeply grateful to him for his tireless work and colleagueship as a fellow bishop, and for leading the Church’s Environment Programme through a time of enormous growth. Both he and his family will be much in my prayers as he prepares for the next stage of his ministry, as will everyone in the Diocese of Salisbury as they prepare to say farewell to Nick and Helen in the summer.”

The Revd Lydia Cooke, Chair of our Diocesan Synod’s House of Clergy said:

“On behalf on the clergy of the Diocese I wish Bishop Nicholas and Helen all the very best in retirement. When Bishop Nick stood in front of us at Bryanston School on our clergy day as a newly-minted Bishop, there was sustained and heartfelt applause. I think now, after his 10 years of leadership, there would be equally as heartfelt and sustained applause.

“Bishop Nick has challenged, inspired, encouraged, and sometimes insisted, but always with humility, prayerfulness and wisdom. We may not have been transformed as a Diocese, but we have been changed, and that has been due to Bishop Nick’s leadership. Just as he has many times blessed us, we now bless him as he heads to retirement.”

And Gillian Clarke, Chair of the House of Laity said:

“It is with sadness that we learn of Bishop Nicholas's forthcoming retirement. But it is also a time to celebrate and give thanks for all that he has brought to us over the last decade.

“He has been, and is, a great bishop. From the very beginning with his Let's Talk initiative, he has been approachable, he has listened, he has brought vision and wisdom and he has been an inspirational spiritual guide and leader. I have valued his collaborative support, his thoughtfulness and his visible presence throughout our diocese, in local communities and churches.

“As we wish him and Helen all the very best in his well-deserved retirement, we will go forward as a diocese, as we seek to live out our vision, Renewing Hope: Pray Serve Grow; a lasting legacy for which Bishop Nicholas will long be remembered and loved.”

Canon Joy Tubbs, our Diocesan Director of Education said:

“We are thankful to God for the ministry of Bishop Nicholas and for the wonderful Shepherd he is amongst us. He is the President of the Diocesan Board of Education and on behalf of every child, we thank him for his wise support. The DBE and schools are praying for Bishop Nicholas and Helen as they step out on this next stage of their lives.”

Nigel Salisbury, the Chair of our Diocesan Board of Finance said:

“It has been an enormous privilege to serve with Bishop Nicholas on the Diocesan Board of Finance and I shall be incredibly sad to see him retire later this year.

“His extraordinary personal kindness, godliness and humility, his unfalteringly inspiring Christian teaching, leadership and care, together with an immense capacity for hard work mean that his ministry and witness to the Gospel shine like a beacon across our Diocese, in our church, civic and community life.

“Yet, as a friend of both Nick and his wife Helen, I am delighted that such a well-deserved retirement lies ahead and add my sincere thanks to them both for their selfless and exemplary service and friendship over the last 10 years.

“Lucy and I join with so many others across the diocese in offering our very best wishes for a long and very happy retirement.”

The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury Cathedral, who will chair the Vacancy in See Committee said:

“In Bishop Nicholas we have had a Bishop of profound humanity and purposeful courage. Shaped by his prayer, prophetic in his teaching, compassionate in his care, he has loved this Diocese and its Cathedral, and has been a wonderful friend to the Chapter.”

There were many tributes on social media, such as:

We are all the beneficiaries of Bishop Nicholas’s leadership – especially his Christ-centred vision for the Church’s role in tackling the climate crisis. I give thanks for the legacy he leaves and pray for him as he prepares for this transition.
-Archbishop Justin Welby, via Twitter 

Giving thanks today for Bishop Nick and his exceptional contribution to the Church’s environmental work, especially on climate change - locally, nationally and globally.
-First Church Estates Commissioner Loretta Minghella, via Twitter 

As the Sudans Partnership Committee we are enormously thankful for the Bishop’s unfailing support and commitment to our work through all the changes that our relationship with Sudans has challenged, tested and brought us great joy too. Throughout his time leading our diocese, he has worked assiduously to maintain very good working relationships with the two primates Abps Ezekiel Kondo and Justin Badi which we continue to enjoy today. Mrs Helen Holtam’s enthusiasm for our Medical Link and especially organizing and hosting the annual Garden Fete at South Canonry has kept this work in the forefront of our Sudans Partnership and our Diocese. We hold Bishop Nicholas, Mrs Helen Holtam and the people of the Sudan and South Sudan in our prayers.
-Canon Ian Woodward, via Facebook 

Bishop Nick's appointment was an absolute blessing for our city*. It is sad to hear that he will go into his deserved retirement. He leaves huge boots to be filled by his predecessor.
-Ute Schwarting, via Facebook 

*and for our diocese.
-John Trefor Williams, in reply

Diocese of Salisbury wish Helen and Bishop Nick the very best
-Karen Rizzello

We will forever be in Bishop Nicholas’s debt following his wonderful support of our Devizes Choristers’ achievements at the annual Diocesan Choral Festivals of recent years. His contribution to our choir’s live broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2019 at the culmination of the Creationtide season will live long in the memory. Laus Deo!
-Chris Totney

Best wishes to him
-Susan Jackson (replying to a related post) 

We'll miss him as a kind and eager support of our twinning between our two dioceses. He has done a lot to re inforce our friendship.
-Emmanuelle Stawski-Boudaliez

He has been a wonderful and inspirational leader - complete respect!
-Carole McCormack

I have worked with a number of Bishops in Southwark and Salisbury since 1968 all good men but Bishop Nicholas is a very special man who I will miss very much
-Margaret Morrissey

Agree entirely
-Jenny Taylor

He and Helen will be much missed.
-Jenny Norman

With thanks to God for Nick’s fruitful ministry @DioSalisbury and prayers for him and Helen in retirement.
-Former Bishop of Sherborne Dr Graham Kings, via Twitter 

Thank you, Bishop Nick, for all you have done to help shape our response to our calling to care for God's creation.
-Church of England Environment Programme, via Twitter 

We are so grateful for all the wonderful support that Bishop @nicholasholtam has given to @childrensociety as a Vice President and with our friends and supporters across @DioSalisbury @gillfordTCS We wish him and Helen a happy and healthy retirement! Every blessing.
-The Children's Society Church Team, via Twitter 

I am very grateful for the service of Bishop Nick and his wife Helen to the Salisbury diocese over the past decade. I wish them well in retirement and they will be sorely missed when they leave for Brighton in the summer.
-John Glen MP, via Twitter 

Felicitaciones El obispo de Salisbury, el reverendo Nicholas Holtam, se jubilará el 3 de julio de 2021, un mes antes de cumplir 67 años. Habrá sido obispo de Salisbury durante 10 años.
- Iglesia Española Reformada Episcopal IERE Alcorcón, via Twitter 
(Congratulations to the Bishop of Salisbury, the Revd Nicholas Holtam, who will be retiring on July 3, 2021, one month before his 67th birthday. He will have been Bishop of Salisbury for 10 years.)

I'm so grateful for the support and generosity shown to me and @childrensociety by Bishop @nicholasholtam across the @DioSalisbury. I now have some wonderful memories of very special occasions. I wish him and Helen a wonderful, peaceful and happy retirement by the sea!
-Gill Ford, The Children's Society Relationship Manager, via Twitter 

The Bishop of Salisbury has announced that he will retire in July. A wonderful supporter of our choristers’ achievements at the Diocesan Festivals of recent years, his contribution to our choir’s live broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2019 will live long in the memory.
-Devizes St John's Choir, via Twitter 

This is a sad loss for us all - a remarkable Bishop, who has encouraged & enabled people throughout the Diocese ‘one of the best’ The Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam, will retire on 3rd July 2021, short of his 67th birthday, after 10 years
-Lavender Buckland, via Twitter 

This was an inspired choice, during Rowan Williams time as ABC
... The Rev’d Nick Holtam was Vicar of St Martin in the Fields, and went straight from the good work he did there, to become Bishop of Salisbury.
No processing through the hierarchy! Coming straight from the parish church, he knew what was needed, kept in touch with ground-level concerns and was hugely supportive.
If this were to be the model for all Bishops, we would be the richer for it.
-Lavender Buckland, on Facebook 

One of the first things Nicholas Holtam did after becoming Bishop of Salisbury was to come to Holt to take part in a fund-raising event for the zebra crossing. Wishing him a happy retirement!
-Trevor Carbin, via Twitter 

Thank you, +Nicholas for your leadership as our Bishop.
-Former MP for Salisbury Robert Key, on Facebook 

I am so grateful for all the support and kindness that Bishop Nicholas Holtam has given to me and to The Children Society and the memories of special occassions l now have. l hope for him and Helen a wonderful retirement by the sea!
-Gill Ford, on Facebook 

Yes, his kindness and support for The Children’s Society Christingle this year is a loving example of that.
-Nicola Coupe, replying

And where did Bishop Nick visit on his first day in office? - yes, Pilsdon!
-Maureen Frost, on Facebook 

I for one will be very sorry to see Bishop Nicholas go...
-Robyn Golden-Hann, on Facebook 

Me too Robyn
-Holly Newton, replying

I think he'll be a hard act to follow, we've been really blessed by his ministry. Better start praying for his successor!
-Robyn Golden-Hann, replying

Yes indeed! I know you will be ordained next year but I really hope the ordinations this year go ahead in June as planned so we have him for our deaconing.
-Holly Newton, replying