Whitehaven reverend hopes that parish will continue to grow

Reverend Alison Dobell came to Whitehaven back in 2023 and holds services at St James' and St Nicholas' churches.

Rev Dobell has worked as a vicar for three decades and is passionate about her work; she hopes to help the parish grow further under her guidance.

She is working with people of all age groups and aims to get more children and young people involved with the church in Whitehaven.

Rev Dobell said: "Before I became a vicar I was working in schools and doing a lot with my church. There was a bit of tension between the two, and one needed to become the priority.

"I just sort of pushed at the doors and they kept opening and eventually I got recommended for training. I've been doing it for nearly 30 years now. 

Rev Dobell lights a candle in prayer (Image: Newsquest)

"I did my training in Manchester and Cambridge. I was then a curate in South London and later a vicar. 

"When I had my son I took four years out and later became a chaplain in Winchester for twelve years. At the end of the summer last year, we moved up here from Southampton. 

"I find Whitehaven very different from Southampton - apart from the sea - but we like it very much! People are very friendly, the people are nice and we're all happy."

Rev Dobell explained that she is hoping to encourage children into the church. 

There are now around three children serving at services on Sunday mornings at St James' and a 'Toddler Church' has been set up. 

This is held at St James' Community Centre between 2pm and 3pm twice a month. 

There is also the 'Cuppa and a Crack' which takes place twice a month where older people can come along, meet other members of the parish, and play a game of cards or dominoes. 

She went onto explain how impressed she was with the turnout to the Christmas service in 2023, which saw around 300 people at the church. 

At the moment, around 60 people attend weekly on a Sunday but she is hoping that this will begin to grow over time.