Offering spiritual and pastoral support to the agricultural and rural community
I am delighted to announce that, following a selection process, the Revd Phil Michell has been appointed Lead Chaplain of Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy (DRC), in succession to the Revd Canon Alan Griggs. The following statement has been issued and was read out in churches on Sunday 12th October:
The Bishop of Derby is delighted to announce that the Revd Phil Michell, Rector of the Benefice of Hulland, Atlow, Kniveton, Bradley and Hognaston and Area Dean of Carsington, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Lead Agricultural Chaplain to Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy and will hold the Bishop of Derby’s licence in the same diocese, subject to all legal and safeguarding requirements being fulfilled.
Phil has had a lifelong interest in farming and will be familiar to many having served in the Diocese of Derby for many years. He hopes to take up his post at DRC in late January 2026
The Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy is a Christian organisation and its chaplains are drawn from a variety of denominations, helping people see God at work in their daily lives. The DRC chaplains offer support to those working in agricultural and rural settings which mostly means farmers, farm workers and their families, regardless of whether or not they have a Christian faith, or indeed any faith.
The Rev’d Alan Griggs took on the role as Lead Agricultural Chaplain in July 2015 and has since been licensed as an Agricultural Chaplain in Derby Diocese. Alan works with a team of committed volunteers who are passionate about supporting the agricultural and rural community through both the joys and challenges of farming in Derbyshire.
The Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy is hosted by Chaplaincy Derbyshire, an independent Christian organisation and registered charity, operating throughout the county. Chaplaincy Derbyshire provides training, support and oversight to over 100 chaplains from police and fire chaplains to retail, industry, GP surgeries, sport, transport, education and social care.
The Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy assist in various ways from a one-off phone call to on-going face to face pastoral and spiritual care.
We visit Bakewell Livestock Market every week and attend agricultural shows and the team work closely with a range of other local and national farming help organisations.
The Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy is also available to support special acts of worship across Derbyshire including a Harvest and Carol Service in the main store ring in Bakewell Livestock Market every year, and by invitation we often take weddings and funerals in partnership with the rural church.
We host theological students on placement and we love telling groups about what we do, so if you would like to book a Chaplain to come and speak about our work, please get in touch.
Local artist, Lesley Griggs, has produced some beautiful paintings from Derbyshire landscapes which have been made into cards and are available to order in support of the Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy.
The Derbyshire Rural Chaplaincy are hosting new monthly services. Check back here for our regular updates.
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