The Bishop of Portsmouth has appointed the Ven Barry Dugmore to be the new Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight – and it feels like he is coming home.
Barry, who is currently Archdeacon Missioner in the Diocese of Coventry, had a previous career selling pharmaceuticals and medical devices in the Hampshire area, which included trips around the Isle of Wight.
His spiritual life also flourished within the Diocese of Portsmouth. He and his wife Suzanne were part of a worship band at St John’s Church, Locks Heath, before Barry’s faith grew as a worship leader and preacher.
He was then ordained within the Portsmouth diocese in 2001 and served as a priest at St Wilfrid’s, Cowplain, and in Whiteley, before heading to Exeter in 2007. He led two churches there before becoming the Diocese of Exeter’s Mission Enabler from 2015-19. He has been in his current role in Coventry since then.
He has now been appointed by the Bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Rev Jonathan Frost, to be the senior clergy person on the Isle of Wight – subject to DBS. He will support and lead its parishes, in succession to the Ven Steve Daughtery who stepped down last year.
Barry said:
“I remember when I left Portsmouth diocese, the then bishop, Kenneth Stevenson, said to me that I would always be welcome back. We’ve recently been praying about a new season in our lives, and the Portsmouth diocese strapline ‘Jesus-centred, Kingdom-seeking’ was really attractive. It captures where my heart is, which is as a pastoral evangelist.
“I did think God was calling us back down south, to serve the diocese that originally nurtured us, in a place we definitely see as home. Even the fact that the Isle of Wight was part of my ‘sales’ territory plays into the idea that this is a familiar place.
Article continues below this advertisement “The Island’s unique blend of rural, coastal, and town communities presents a rich tapestry for ministry, and I’m drawn to the challenge of enabling the Church to flourish in this context, building on exciting fruitful foundations, gifts and strengths – and responding creatively to its opportunities and challenges with clergy, lay leaders, church wardens and others.
The Isle of Wight’s distinct identity, strong local culture, and the diocese’s commitment to prioritising work with children, young people, and older people resonate deeply with my own ministry priorities. This role tugs on my sense of calling, as it connects with my love for God’s people, a passion for mission and growth, and a desire to serve in a context that values both tradition and innovation.”
Bishop Jonathan Frost said:
“I am delighted to offer this vital role to someone who brings rich experience, missional energy, and a warm pastoral heart to ministry. Barry is an outstanding appointment, who will make a real difference to our Christian presence on the Island.
Article continues below this advertisement He joins a growing team of exceptional lay and ordained leaders on the Isle of Wight. Please pray for Barry and Suzanne as they leave Coventry diocese and make their way to us.”
Barry was born in Stoke-on-Trent, and he and Suzanne have three married children and six grandchildren. He enjoys playing the guitar and singing, as well as sport, walking and art appreciation. He studied chemistry and worked for ICI as a research technician and then a research chemist. Barry moved to Hampshire with his young family and began a commercial career in the pharmaceuticals industry, ending up in various marketing and business development roles
He will be licensed as Archdeacon of the Isle of Wight during Evensong in our cathedral on Sunday 31st May.
Can someone tell me what these people do and how much they get paid for doing it .
why do they all have that silly look on their faces is it because they are conning someone .