Meet the Team

Peter Robinson took up the post of Dean of Derby in July 2020. He is based at Derby Cathedral but also plays a full part in the Bishop of Derby’s Staff Team. The role of Dean includes the leadership of Chapter, the governing body of the Cathedral.

Peter is committed to partnership working: since January 2021 he has been the independent chair of the Derby City Poverty Commission and a member of the City of Derby’s Stronger Communities Board.

He is developing strategic relationships with the faith sector across Derby and Derbyshire, and works closely with the Multi-Faith Centre, based at Derby University, and represents the Bishop of Derby on the Derby University Governing Council.

Peter’s educational interests include overseeing the Cathedral’s relationship with Derby Cathedral School. He holds a doctorate in Divinity from Durham University and is an experienced contributor to theological education and training within the church.

Prior to arriving in Derby Peter served in suburban North Tyneside, the inner city of Newcastle upon Tyne and in Northumberland, where from 2008 he held the post of Archdeacon of Lindisfarne, leading the Newcastle Diocesan Strategy for the rural church.

dean@derbycathedral.org

Richard became Canon Precentor at Derby Cathedral in September 2018 and has the responsibility for worship and music including preparing the many special services which take place at the Cathedral in the course of a year.

Born in Bedford, Richard was a teacher before ordination and trained for the ministry at Ripon College Cuddesdon and the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in California. After a curacy in Worcester Diocese, he moved to Derby for the first time to become Chaplain of what is now Derby University, before becoming vicar of Chellaston and then vicar of Spondon, when he was also chair of the Diocesan Board of Education. Immediately before coming to the Cathedral he spent thirteen years away from the Diocese as Team Rector of Dunstable in Bedfordshire.

Richard is married to Alison and they have two grown-up sons. As a family, they are keen Derby County FC supporters and love the Northumberland coast where they own a holiday property.

richard@derbycathedral.org

Carla Vicêncio Prior

Carla joined Derby Cathedral in October 2022, and in her role is responsible for helping to develop a learning culture across the Cathedral and the various communities we interact with. Carla has a special interest in interfaith work and hopes to support the work that is already happening across the city in this area. She also has a passion for social justice and teaching the next generations about the love of God. Before joining the Cathedral Carla loved being the Team Vicar of a group of 10 rural parishes in Derbyshire.

Carla has a background in business and marketing and before ordination worked in Competitor Intelligence and Market Research. She has a Business Degree, a Masters in Slavonic Studies (Trade Economics) and a Masters in Theology. She has lived in 6 different countries over the years and has travelled extensively in Europe, South America and Eastern Africa.

Carla is Portuguese but has lived in the UK for over 35 years. She is married with two grown up sons. In her spare time, she also loves cycling, reading, learning new languages and above all, good food.

carla@derbycathedral.org

Nicky is originally from Birmingham and before she was ordained worked as a primary teacher in Nottinghamshire. After completing her ordination training at Cranmer Hall, Durham, she moved to St Ann’s in Nottingham for her curacy and then came to the Diocese of Derby in 2016.

Her first role in our diocese was a mixed portfolio role – she led a benefice of four rural churches, worked with our education team, was the Bishop’s Advisor in Spirituality, the bishop’s ordained chaplain and acting retirement chaplain.

As Bishop’s Chaplain and Residentiary Canon, Nicky will share in the full life of the cathedral, offering specialised ministry in one or two areas as yet undecided, as well as supporting the ministry of our bishops and the Bishop’s Office.

Nicky is married to Michael and they have two adult children Emily and Sophie. Her main interests are swimming, yoga, reading, films, knitting, chocolate and enjoying family games evenings, although she rarely manages to win.

Val became a Lay Member of Chapter in 2014, having worshipped at the Cathedral since 1987. Both of her sons were, at different times, head choristers in the Cathedral Choir. Val is a former Cathedral Warden, is a member of the serving team, sings with the Cathedral Voluntary Choir and fulfils several other volunteer roles in the Cathedral. As a member of Chapter, Val has been co-chair of the Community Committee and is currently Interim Chair of the Cathedral Council.

Before retirement, Val worked with children with special educational needs in both mainstream and special schools and was a school governor. When not at the Cathedral, she loves spending time with her three grandchildren, enjoys bird-watching and visiting National Trust properties.

David, a formers High Sheriff of Derbyshire, is a retired rural Chartered Surveyor and retains farming and landowning interests near Ashbourne.  He is a long-serving churchwarden of his local parish and is married to an Anglican priest.  He and Jane have four married children, widely scattered, and a strong desire to see more of them and their ten grandchildren.

David.legh@cubleylodge.com

Mark is a lay member of the Chapter and Chair of the Chapter’s finance committee, as well as being a former Warden of the Cathedral. He is also Executive Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance, and is treasurer of Edensor Parish in the Peak District, where he lives.

Carol holds overall responsibility for the Admin, Finance and Verging team, together with overseeing the Cathedral volunteers. Her role is to lead, focus and manage the resourcing of Derby Cathedral for both its operational delivery and its future strategic development.

Carol has had considerable experience in operational and project delivery working for a number of small to medium sized enterprises, as well as running her own business for 6 years.

She is a keen open water swimmer, particularly in the colder months! Carol is also a big Derby County supporter.

carol@derbycathedral.org

Catriona joined the team in May 2020 and is responsible for developing income streams for the Cathedral to help secure its financial sustainability.  This involves growing individual giving, working with trusts and foundations, and corporates.  Catriona is also responsible for growing visitor numbers and income by instigating key events which position the Cathedral as an arts, culture and heritage destination.

Catriona previously worked at Macmillan Cancer Support as a senior manager developing strategic fundraising partnerships with national FTSE100 companies.  Prior to that, she worked in relationship management and sales roles for training development organisations owned by the Pearson Group.

Living in Derby with her family, Catriona loves eating out, walks in Darley Park or the beautiful Peak District, and embraces cultural experiences.

Catriona@derbycathedral.org

Rachael Lee is the Finance Manager at Derby Cathedral.

Her responsibilities involve providing key financial and management information to the Management Team and the Cathedral Trustees.

Rachael has over 25 years of experience gained from various business sectors, predominately within the construction industry.

In her spare time Rachael enjoys cooking, gardening, and time with her granddaughter.

rachael@derbycathedral.org

Rachel joined the Music Department in 2016 and her role involves assisting the Director of Music with the administration required to run the Cathedral Choir. She can often be found in the Cathedral’s music library, issuing music to be sung to the Choristers and Lay Clerks.

As well as her work as Music Administrator, Rachel is also a member of the Cathedral Voluntary Choir, and worships at the Cathedral with her family.

Edward joined the staff at Derby Cathedral in September 2017, having previously held posts at Worcester College Oxford, Tewkesbury Abbey, Dean Close School Cheltenham and Southwell Minster.

As Assistant Director of Music, he assists the Canon Precentor and Director of Music with the administration of the Cathedral’s Liturgy and Music; plays the organ for most choral services; directs the Cathedral’s Voluntary Choir; and helps with the tuition of the Choristers.

Edward also directs Derby University Choir, and is the Assistant Director of Music and Accompanist of The Nottingham Bach Choir. Having been a chorister himself (at Southwell Minster), he has a particular passion for the music of the Anglican liturgy, both in choral and organ repertoire.

When he isn’t practising or answering emails, he can often be found drinking, eating, walking, or any combination of the above.

Tel: 01332 202231
Email: edward@derbycathedral.org

Alexander joined Derby Cathedral as Director of Music in April 2019, where he is responsible for the operation of the Cathedral’s Music Department and directing the Cathedral Choir. Before moving to Derby Alexander spent three years as Assistant Director of Music at St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Suffolk.

Alexander is a prize winning graduate of the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he studied the organ. Alongside his studies at the Academy, Alexander held the organ scholarships at Southwark Cathedral, the Royal Hospital Chelsea and St Marylebone Parish Church. Prior to studies, Alexander held the organ scholarship at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.  As an organist he has performed at Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Royal Festival Hall, and many international venues.  He has also played with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the European Union Youth Orchestra and the Monteverdi String Band.

Alexander is married to Dora, a professional violinist, and they have two small children.

Tel: 01332 202231

Alexander@derbycathedral.org

Michael joined Derby Cathedral as Head Verger in May 2019.

Michael originally comes from Jarrow in the North East and has many years experience as a Verger, having held the post of Verger at St Paul’s Church Knightsbridge, St Leonard’s Church Wollaton, and Salisbury Cathedral.  He has also worked as Head Verger at Manchester Cathedral and most recently as Head Verger at Nottingham City Parish.

Michael is married to Karen and they are the proud parents of adult, identical twin daughters – Philippa who is a Priest in the Southwell and Nottingham Diocese, and Felicity who is a primary school teacher at the C of E School in Bramcote, Nottingham.  Both girls are keen singers.

When Michael retires he hopes to build a model railway.

deansverger@derbycathedral.org

Maddie is part of our team of Vergers at Derby Cathedral and is responsible for setting up for services and events whilst also caring for the Cathedral on a day-to-day basis.
She is also part of the Community Committee and the Social Committee.

Starting out as a Trainee Chef, Maddie has worked at a variety of venues around Derbyshire, catering for events such as Weddings and Award Ceremonies.
Having gained experience in different fields, Maddie felt a pull back to the Cathedral as she was previously in the Girls’ Choir from 2010 till 2018 and was Head Girl for 3 years.

Maddie is lucky enough to live close to her family and loves to spend time with them, especially her baby nephew.
Having recently moved to Belper with her Fiancé, Tom, she’s enjoying exploring the area and going on plenty of walks.
She is also part of the Cathedral’s Voluntary Choir.

vergers@derbycathedral.org

Laura has been at the Cathedral since 2015 and is the Cathedral’s Commercial Manager.  Laura’s background is in event management and she previously ran events for a number of organisations including the University of Derby.

When not at the Cathedral most of Laura’s spare time is spent with family and raising her two young children with her husband Alex. Laura is from Derby and although she has lived in other cities as a graduate, she is happy to be settled back in her hometown and to be close to friends.

laura@derbycathedral.org

Jen joined the Cathedral in July 2022 and manages the social media and website content for Derby Cathedral. Her responsibilities within this role include identifying and delivering new digital marketing initiatives that support visitor engagement, events, and fundraising.

Jen has a background in marketing, international marketing, and events. Previous roles have included managing marketing campaigns, social media management and international student recruitment. She also co-owns a Speciality Coffee Shop with her husband and oversees the marketing and digital content for the business.

Having previously lived in the French Alps, Jen loves being outdoors, enjoys fitness and swimming.

jen@derbycathedral.org

Jessica was born and raised in Louth, Lincolnshire, attending King Edward VI Grammar School, and came to Derby in 2006 to study Forensic Science at the University of Derby. Deciding that life in a laboratory wasn’t quite for her, Jessica has tried her hand at restaurant management, lettings, office management, kitchen and bathroom designing and she also, for a short time, ran her own dog walking business.

Jessica now works full time as PA to the Dean and Residentiary Canons at Derby Cathedral. She spends the rest of her time with her partner James at their allotment, or walking her own dog, Darwin. Her passion is old houses, antiques, trying out new coffee shops and gin bars, baking, and reading books (of any genre).

jessica@derbycathedral.org

Kim’s role of Verger at Derby Cathedral requires her to look after the day to day running of the Cathedral, keeping it clean, setting up for services and taking part in the daily worship and ensuring things run smoothly.

Kim was born in Derby and lived here and in Belper until she was 12 years old, before moving to Biggleswade in Bedfordshire. Brought up a Baptist, she became a Girl’s Brigade Captain and was involved in the Billy Graham Foundation UK in her youth. She was confirmed at St Anne’s, Derby on All Saints’ Day in 2006 and has held various roles there, and is currently church warden.

Kim worked for the Crown Post Office counter for 33 years as a travel and foreign currency specialist. In her spare time she enjoys all quiz shows on TV. She also likes to go camping and her favourite place is Norfolk.

Richard supports the verger team by looking after the cathedral and services. Previously a Chartered Engineer in the power industry, alongside his job at the Cathedral Richard sings bass as a Lay Clerk in the choir, and plays bass in bands and pit orchestras.

Alison was born in Derby and lived in the city until moving away to Bedfordshire in 2005 when her husband (Canon Richard) was appointed as Team Rector of Dunstable.  Alison worked in Derby for many years as a mental health occupational therapist, a role she continued with when living in Dunstable.

She is a keen gardener and flower arranger, as well as enjoying other creative interests such as sewing.  Since becoming a member of the cathedral congregation Alison has joined the Serving team and the Social Committee.  She is pleased to return to her home city where she still has family members.

Among her various volunteering ‘hats’, Kate keeps a record of documentation archived by the Cathedral Office when it is no longer current, and is in the process of sorting it all into a logical sequence. She also looks after some historical material. (The Parish Records and other important early documents are now in the care of the County Archives.)

Before her retirement, for many years she was in charge of maintaining the library catalogue at the University of Derby.

She enjoys singing with Derby Bach Choir, playing oboe and recorders and re-enacting the period of the English Civil Wars (as a civilian!).

Dave holds the role of Cathedral Warden which involves managing front of house activities for services, together with a team of Stewards. He also leads the Ministry of Welcome who act as welcomers to Cathedral visitors. In addition, Dave is chairman of the Social Committee – organising social activities throughout the year.

His career prior to retirement was mainly in the aerospace industry and he was a director of a local engineering company. Dave is an active member of the Scouting movement and being a keen walker, is involved in organising competitive walking competitions for Derbyshire Scouts. He is also involved in local amateur dramatics – scenery building and back-stage in the theatre.

davemac11@btinternet.com

As Cathedral Warden, Karen is now involved in managing the front of house activities for services, along with a team of stewards. She also volunteers at various events and concerts at the cathedral, works on the cathedral bar when needed and is part of the weekday Welcome Team for Cathedral visitors. Karen also leads the team of volunteers involved in the monthly Cathedral Coffee Corner. 

Karen has held various roles within local government and the National Trust during her paid career. This has involved successfully managing libraries, Highways teams and the city’s Tourist Information Centre. 

In her spare time she belongs to a local running club, has completed several middle-distance races and is now a Run Leader. She also enjoys walking with her husband Richard and Callie, their Border Collie, as well as spending time catching up with their twin daughters.

After leaving Portland College Ewan became a volunteer at the Cathedral Café and was then offered a part-time job until transferring to the Cathedral in 2019.

Ewan is a keen Dr Who fan and enjoys going to conventions with his family. He also enjoys drawing, collecting and reading comic books, especially Marvel. He also enjoys spending time with friends.

Janet has responsibility for meeting with Cathedral Ministry staff and clients from parishes to discuss about Vestments, either new or to be conserved.

Her training was at Medway College of Art taking City and Guilds exams in Dressmaking and Embroidery and then a Teaching Course. She taught Needlecraft in a Secondary setting for 25years.

In her spare time Janet makes her own clothes, has an interest in crafts, gardening, flower arranging and belongs to a local Stitch Group, the local National Trust Group and Derby Wildlife Trust.

Barbara is the joint lead for the Derby Cathedral Embroidery Workshop.

Adam joined Derby Cathedral in the Spring of 2014. The main focus of his work is as Anglican Chaplain at the University.

Prior to arriving, Adam was in Dorset where he had been living as part of two different Christian communities, latterly at Hilfield Friary with the Anglican Franciscans, and prior to that at The Pilsdon Community, living alongside those struggling with poor mental health, addiction, and homelessness.

He has also worked in parishes in inner-city Portsmouth and Worcestershire.

Adam is married to Teresa and enjoys many things in life including the countryside, sport, and the arts (both high and low culture!) a.dickens@derby.ac.uk

Alan returned to Derby Cathedral in 2015, having previously been Lay Reader there in the 1990’s. In the intervening years he was an Associate Priest in the Melbourne Benefice of South Derbyshire. As Chaplain he supports the governance work of the Cathedral Chapter by advising and minuting its meetings.

Alan has a long-standing interest and involvement in education, having been a secondary school headteacher, a university honorary research fellow and an internationally recognised writer on education leadership and how school leaders may be sustained in its ethical, moral and spiritual dimensions. He is also a Churchill Fellow.

Married to Jean, with two adult sons, they enjoy hill walking together.

Maureen chairs the Justice, Peace and Creation Committee – (JPCC) which advises and recommends actions for the Cathedral in its mission, and ministry on justice, peace and the environment.  JPCC also recommends the allocations to be made from the Cathedral’s charitable giving.

Maureen was one of the first women to be ordained at Derby Cathedral.  She served as priest in charge until 2011 at St John’s Mickleover Derby and then came to Derby Cathedral when she retired.

Maureen also taught English as a Second Language at the Refugee Resettlement Centre in Derby teaching English to refugees for 17 years.

At present she is coordinating secretary of the Derby City of Sanctuary network, which works with many groups and organisations across the city  to make Derby a safe and welcoming place for those seeking sanctuary,

Married to Chris, Maureen has two daughters and six grandchildren.  She enjoys many things including walking, swimming, reading, films and knitting stripey jumpers for my grandchildren.