June 25th marked a significant crossroads in my working life. I stepped back from my work as Principal of Sarum College. We gathered in the Cavell Room in glorious sunshine. I was glad to see former colleagues from across my 11 years of work at 19 The Close as well as neighbours, supporters of the College and friends.

There were speeches from Bishop Alastair Redfern, Professor Liz Stuart and Paul Burden followed by generous gifts and presentations to send me on my way. We much enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch provided by our amazing catering team.

Paul has reflected on this on the Sarum website

Sarum College says “Thank You” to James Woodward

I wanted to offer here my words of appreciation for all that the college has given and shared with me over these 11 years. So here goes and shared and grateful thanks for this community and for all those who work together to make it distinctive and life bearing.

Farewell and Thank You to Sarum College   James Woodward   25^th June 2026 

This ministry and work has been one of the more challenging of all my chapters of vocational calling since my ordination in 1985. Rich in unpredictability, many times counting to 3 before grasping the question laid on my desk: and conditioned by the unpredictable seasons of Novichok, Covid and the changing fortunes of the theology. Second-guessing what the Church of England needs from a new generation of ministry and providing alongside colleagues a rich offering of spiritual and theological learning has demanded much and rewarded and gifted beyond measure.

A single part can only work if it is operating within a well-oiled community pulling together. It is the people here that are instrumental to the sustaining of this unique place of learning and hospitality. A housekeeping stuff who turn around our bedrooms and the space with care and hard work; a catering staff who produce food which nourishes us in (and for some of us a little too much); the hospitality team who keep the building in good order and where there is always a cheerful welcome along alongside the ability to cope with seven things at a time. Those who support our learning with IT and library resources, finance and administrative support. Above all those and the academic faculty who teach with passion and depth and wisdom. The executive leadership team who the trustees who support,  lead and hold us to account. 

You are the people that make this space special. I believe in who you are and what you do with every fibre of my being. This place is extraordinary, rich in learning and discovery, ready to dig deep deeply into the questions we need to ask, noticing and opening the power and truth of theology with its potential to take us deeper to make our lives richer, textured and transformative. This truly is a generative place with infinite capacity of showing what nourishment and learning mean.

I take some credit for a tradition that I began nearly 11 years ago which took the first letter of the person we were saying farewell to capture three adjectives that reflected them and what they had given to a community.

So here are my three adjectives for Sarum College. The three S’s of Sarum for me

This is a Spirited place in its energy and enthusiasm and encouragement

This is a Special place in its uniqueness and exceptional quality of welcome and invitation into rest refreshment and the adventure of learning

Finally, this is a Soulful place. It is expressive, emotional and heartfelt.

Thank you. Thank you for all that you have given and shared and will be. I wish you well as I begin a new season and pray for your ongoing thriving and strength and growth. 

Thank you Sarum : do keep in touch with its work via the website https://www.sarum.ac.uk and sign upto the newsletter

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A few favourite pictures from the day ! Onwards Sarum and Bless you