We look forward to welcoming three new appointees to Lichfield. We thank God for all the gifts and talents they bring to the Cathedral; we pray that we may learn from them and appreciate their contribution to the Cathedral’s mission and ministry. 

The Bookshop Manager – Ann Waller

Pauline Cox, our longstanding Bookshop Manager, is soon to retire and her successor in this vital role is Ann Waller. Ann is a highly experienced bookseller having managed several High Street branches of two of the U.K.’s leading bookshop chains. She has a degree in Librarianship and impressed everyone at interview with her grasp of the trade and how she would relish working with staff and dedicated volunteers.

She starts work on 16th April. Chapter is delighted to welcome her to the Cathedral staff.

The Chief Officer – Tim Pain

Tim Pain has been appointed to succeed David Wallington in the important role of Chapter’s Chief Officer. Tim has had a distinguished career as a Senior Manager of charitable organisations in the U.K. and in South Africa. He is a committed Christian, a father of four children, he enjoys endurance cycling, tennis and table tennis. He also supports Arsenal and grows sweet peas.

Tim will join the staff on 4th June.

The Canon Precentor – The Revd. Wealands Bell

The Bishop of Lichfield has appointed Wealands Bell, currently Chaplain of Aldenham School, Elstree, Hertfordshire (St Alban’s Diocese) as Canon Precentor in succession to Charles Taylor.Wealands was born and grew up in County Durham, he was a chorister at Durham Cathedral and subsequently was also a Lay Clerk there and at York Minister and St George’s Chapel, Windsor.

A graduate in English he had a career before ordination as a Teacher of English and Drama in state and independent schools. He became Head of Drama at the International School in Athens. A persistent call to the priesthood led him to prepare for ministry at the College of the Resurrection, Mirfield. He obtained a further degree in Theology from Leeds and was ordained in the Durham Diocese to the Parish of Jarrow in 1999.

After his curacy he tested his vocation to the monastic life and returned to the Community of the Resurrection at Mirfield. After two years he had discerned that marriage and life in the world were his true callings. He became Chaplain of Aldenham in 2004, met and married Anna, and they now have one son, Michael, who is six months old. Wealands is also Chaplain to the national Youth Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. Wealands brings some outstanding gifts in music, liturgy and spirituality to this post.