‘Bullying’ clergyman quits Cathedral
NewsWe reported three weeks ago that auditions for a new director of music at Wells Cathedral were being skewed by internal wrangling.
Today we hear from the Cathedral that Precentor Nicholas Jepson-Biddle will be leaving the Cathedral in August.
In his resignation note he says: ‘Despite some difficult times for the Cathedral, I shall always count it a huge privilege to have served here.’
I always admire that wonderful gothic arch.
It must be glorious to listen to music in that environment.
That “man“ has a lot to answer for. Hopefully that will be the end of his so called “ministry”. The church should have dealt with him years and years ago (before Wells). He is a disgrace.
How did you know him Bob?
It is a good question, and interesting that it doesn’t appear to have been answered. Whatever the truth in all of this (and it may be true, I don’t know), it is very easy to post, anonymously, online, and for one comment to be taken as gospel.
Hopefully the replacement will be better, not worse.
That’s two bullying Precentors in as many weeks … First Wakefield now Wells. Let’s hope and pray for better times ahead and better appointments
Wells cathedral is undergoing huge changes in leadership. Everyone must be filled with excitement to see how things will develop and flourish.
I am not sure ‘excitement’ is the right word. Hope maybe, anxiety possibly, interest certainly.
I think the word ‘excitement’ was used in the sarcastic British form of humour! Ha, ha! More like another carve-up!
The initial statement/petition sent to Chapter never mentioned bullying so unless the ‘mole’ who leaked this latest news knows more than was the essence of the complaint then I suggest the term ‘bullying’ may be jumping to conclusions that are not correct. The recruitment process for the new DoM was crassly and insensitively handled undoubtedly but no complaint or hint of bullying was suggested in that statement.
Wells isn’t the first (or the last) example of unfair and flawed procedure bring run for the post of Director of Music in Cathedrals.
It was the same last year at St Davids when the dull assistant of 24 years in the post got the top job despite being the worst candidate on the very short shortlist.
In this case, being a long standing family friend of the Precentor got him the job.
In the real world this wouldn’t be allowed to happen.
I wonder where this headline came from; the Precentor of Wells has not been accused of bullying. It is understood he resigned in protest at the mishandling of the DoM interview process.
I’m sorry to hear all this, and I hope it resolved favorably for all of you, I’ve read your comments with interest, concern, and hope. I also apologize if this is the incorrect forum, but I’ve been unable to find answers otherwise, and you are clearly committed to Wells Cathedral. I’m an American originally from Somerset (left from Weymouth in 1635) — middle name Bicknell — and visited Wells Cathedral twice to see my ancestor, William Bicknell, whose 15th century sarcophagus is there. I believe it’s spelled Wyllm Biconyl. Would anyone know how to get more information about him, if it exists there, or point me in an estimated direction? If “Google it” is the response, I understand and again, my apologies for the intrusion if so received.
Warm regards,
Peter
So disappointed. Was planning a visit with expectation to hear not just one of the best male voices but exemplary sermon, of which I have yet to experience. You have lost an extraordinary human.