Bishop Michael becomes a Somerset Day Patron

Bishop Michael, newly installed as the 80th Bishop of Bath and Wells is to become a Patron of Somerset Day.

Bishop Michael is already familiar with Somerset. His wife Lizzie is from a farming family from Somerset and the two have joined in many aspects of Somerset life. Among these has been undertaking regular long distance walks around the Somerset countryside. Prior to Bishop Michael being interviewed for the role of Bishop of Bath and Wells, they both undertook a 60 mile walk around the County and in the morning of his installation he travelled from Bath Abbey back to Wells, using a variety of forms of transport, meeting people from all walks of Somerset life along the way.

Brought up in rural Staffordshire, Bishop Michael attended a small Church of England primary school and a rural church. Bishop Michael was ordained in 1999 and until his appointment as Director of Mission in the Diocese of Oxford in 2010, he combined scientific work as an epidemiologist at London’s Imperial College 50:50 with work in Christian ministry as a missioner and theological educator.

Bishop Michael and Lizzie have two young children. In his spare time, he enjoys tending his garden and his bees.

Commenting on becoming a Somerset Day Patron, Bishop Michael said “I’m thrilled to be here in Somerset and to be able to see and celebrate so many different aspects of our life together. Somerset Day is a brilliant way for us to give thanks for so much that’s good in our county. I’m very much looking forward to supporting its work”.

Bishop Michael joins existing Somerset Day Patrons Mrs Anne Maw CVO, His Grace the Duke of Somerset DL; The Rt Revd Ruth Worsley, Bishop of Taunton; Michael Eavis CBE, Clinton Rogers DL and Edward Bayntun-Coward DL.

Said Founder of Somerset Day, Nigel Muers-Raby, “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Bishop Michael as a Patron. He shares our passion in his desire to support Somerset’s communities, organisations and independent businesses. We are confident his passion for his wife’s home county will inspire others to celebrate all we have to offer in Somerset”.

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