This is a text-only version of an article first published on Wednesday, 16 November 2016. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
The new Archdeacon of Dorchester is to be the Revd Canon Judy French, who is currently Vicar of Charlbury with Shorthampton.
She will take up her post in June.
Welcoming the appointment, Bishop Colin said: "I am delighted that Judy French has accepted Bishop John's invitation to become the First Archdeacon of Dorchester.
"She is a person of prayer who also brings with her wide experience both as a Parish Priest and as an Area Dean, coupled with considerable experience from her time as Acting Archdeacon.
"Together with Charles Chadwick, the new Parish Development Adviser, and the continuing support of Carolyn and Yvonne at the Area Office, I believe that we now have in place the ingredients for a strong team and I look forward very much to working with them in the coming years."
Judy has been Vicar of Charlbury with Shorthampton in West Oxfordshire for the past 17 years, and also served as Area Dean of Chipping Norton Deanery for five years.
Before coming to the Oxford Diocese she served as a curate in the Parish of St Mark's Bilton in Rugby, Coventry Diocese, and her title curacy in All Saints Botley, in her home diocese of Portsmouth.
Judy was among the first women to be ordained priest in 1994, in Coventry's Cathedral, and the first female incumbent in the Dorchester Area.
Judy said: "I am absolutely delighted to be invited to become the first Archdeacon of Dorchester.
I am looking forward immensely to serving the Parishes and Clergy of the new Archdeaconry, and supporting them in the valuable work they do.
"Working with Bishop John, Bishop Colin, the Area Team, and the Diocesan Team will be a privilege.
It is an exciting time for all of us as we move forward together into a new stage of sharing in God's mission here."