THE Venerable Anne Gell, currently Archdeacon of Wells, has been appointed acting Dean of Wells, following the retirement of John Davies.

Archdeacon Anne, who is already a Residentiary Canon of Wells and a member of Chapter, the governing body of the Cathedral, takes on the role from February 1.

The Rev Charlie Peer, currently the Head of Mission Support and Ministry Development for the Diocese of Bath and Wells, will become acting Archdeacon of Wells.

Bishop Michael, the Bishop of Bath and Wells, said: “Anne will bring to the role of acting Dean a wealth of skills and abilities in leadership, wisdom and care of the whole cathedral community.

"We pray for Anne as she takes on this role and leads our cathedral during the next year.”

Archdeacon Anne said: “It will be a privilege to be working more closely with the whole cathedral team, the city and the county of Somerset, and I look forward to furthering these many relationships.

"I welcome the opportunity under God to develop our common life, to deliver needed change, and to reset the cathedral as a place of welcome, acceptance and hope.”

She will hold the role of acting Dean of Wells until a permanent dean is appointed, which is expected to be by the end of the year.

The Ven Gell came to Bath and Wells from the diocese of Guilford, where she was vicar of St Peter’s Wrecclesham, area Dean of Farnham and Honorary Canon of Guildford Cathedral.

Before ordination, Archdeacon Anne read mathematics at Oxford University and went on to study medicine in London before training as a GP.