23 Nov 25 - The Diocesan Farewell Service for the Bishop of Leeds - Ripon Cathedral

As the Mayor of Richmond, North Yorkshire, and the Mayoress, Sherrie, we were honoured to attend the Diocesan Farewell to the Rt Revd Nick Baines, the first Bishop of Leeds, held in the magnificent Ripon Cathedral.

The service marked Bishop Nick’s retirement at the end of this month, bringing the Diocese of Leeds together to reflect on his exceptional 38 years of ministry and leadership. His clarity, wisdom, and commitment to both the Church and the wider community were at the heart of the tributes shared.

Also in attendance were many distinguished guests, including:
• The Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Mrs Johanna Ropner, whose personal tribute was simply brilliant.
• The Archbishop of York, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell
• The High Sheriff of North Yorkshire, Sir Andrew Lawson Tancred
• The Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Mr Ed Anderson
• The Mayor of Ripon, Cllr Barbara Brodigan
• The Chair of North Yorkshire Council, Cllr George Jabbour
• MPs representing Leeds Central, Headingley and Bradford West
• Mayors and civic representatives from Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Boroughbridge, Harrogate, Knaresborough, Skipton, Bedale, Wetherby and Calderdale
• The Archbishop of Sudan and Bishop of Khartoum, The Most Revd Ezekiel Kondo
• The Archbishop of Hanover, Bishop Ralf Meister
• The Roman Catholic Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Revd Marcus Stock
• Rev Graham Ensor of the Yorkshire Baptist Association
• Kerry Tankard, Chair of the Methodist District
• Robin Fishwick, representing the Society of Friends (Quakers)

The service was beautifully led by The Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd John Dobson DL. The readings were perfectly chosen for the occasion, the hymns uplifting, and the choir sang with stunning clarity and emotion truly matching the significance of the moment.

Bishop Nick’s final sermon was excellent, with heartfelt references to his earlier ministry when he first became Bishop of Leeds. His reflections were inspiring and full of the wisdom that has shaped his service to the Diocese.

A final thankyou to the Very Revd John Dobson DL and his entire team for putting on such a wonderful event to mark such an important occasion. Well done to all involved.

Cllr C Tate

Mayor of Richmond