NEW Bishop of Taunton the Ven Dr Fiona Gibson will be welcomed when she arrives in the Diocese of Bath and Wells at the weekend.

Ms Gibson is being consecrated in Southwark Cathedral at 11 am on Friday (February 6), before travelling at the weekend to Wells Cathedral.

She has been the Archdeacon of Ludlow, in the Diocese of Hereford, since 2021.

The Bishop of Bath and Wells the Rt Rev Michael Beasley said: “We are very much looking forward to two wonderful celebrations as we prepare to welcome Fiona to our diocese.

“Many people from Bath and Wells will be making the journey up to London to witness her consecration.

“All are welcome to share in the joy of her arrival at Wells Cathedral when she officially becomes Bishop of Taunton.

“Please hold Fiona and her family in your prayers as she prepares to take this exciting step in her ministry journey.”

The consecration service is when Ms Gibson becomes a bishop, as other bishops lay their hands on her head as a sign that they are passing on their authority, and she makes promises to serve faithfully and follow the Church’s teachings.

Following her consecration, she will be officially welcomed into the Diocese of Bath and Wells at the choral evensong in Wells Cathedral at 3 pm on Sunday (February 8).

The installation marks the beginning of Bishop Fiona’s ministry in the diocese as the Bishop of Taunton.

Clergy and volunteers in Wiveliscombe were the first to meet their new bishop after her appointment was announced last autumn.

Bishop Fiona, who is a keen wild swimmer, was visiting St Andrew’s Church, Wiveliscombe, on the day Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s office made the announcement.

She has described family holidays in Porlock as a youngster and holding happy memories of exploring Exmoor and further afield.