Posted on 24th Mar
Magnus Church of England Academy students welcomed the new Archdeacon of Newark, Tors Ramsey, into a virtual meeting at the school.
Appointed to have particular responsibility as diocesan lead for establishing and supporting new worshipping communities, and developing relationships with schools, Tors will take up her new role in the summer.
With a population of around 475,000, the Archdeaconry of Newark covers Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Mansfield, Newark and Sherwood areas. Following the announcement of her appointment, Tors took part in the question and answer meeting with Magnus students.
“I was so encouraged to meet the students at Magnus Academy, following the announcement of my appointment as Archdeacon of Newark,” she said.
“The students were extremely well prepared with great questions – particularly considering they had just returned to school!
“I was impressed by their maturity and the variety of their questions. They are a credit to their school. Children and young people are a priority for us as we continue to look to engage with younger generations and to grow disciples younger, wider and deeper.
“The future for young people holds both huge opportunity and challenge and a partnership with schools is a key way in which churches can help provide support to their local communities. I am excited to be part of this work in my new role.”
Jim Semmelroth, head of school at Magnus, said he hoped the meeting was the first step towards a strong relationship with the Archdeacon of Newark.
“It was a fantastic opportunity for Magnus students to be able to meet the new Archdeacon of Newark, Tors Ramsey, albeit virtually,” he added.
“It was a valuable opportunity for students to be able to ask Tors about her journey to this point and find out more about what her role entails. I hope to be able to welcome Tors to the academy as soon as restrictions allow and look forward to working with her to develop the Christian ethos of the school further.”
Megane Ranger, chaplain at the academy, said: “We were so excited to meet and welcome the new Archdeacon of Newark, Tors Ramsey.
“We had a 15-minute welcome interview with her over teams where the students came prepared with questions about how she got into the role and why she wanted this role.
“It was such a delight to have this opportunity and we all learnt more about how the diocese works as a result. We can’t wait to meet her in person!”
Year 12 student Mark Ponder, who attended the meeting, added: “The opportunity provided by the meeting heavily improved my knowledge regarding positions in the church, ordinance and how one can aim towards being in an influential position.
“I am extremely thankful for the opportunity the members of the student leadership obtained and I am further relieved to observe the strong bonds my academy has with the surrounding diocese.”
Fellow Year 12 student, Aamod Bashyal, commented: “Even though the meeting was through zoom, meeting with the Archdeacon was an insightful experience that allowed me to better understand the role and the importance of it, and I hope to meet with her in school as well one day.”
