THE Archbishop of York has been refreshing the parts of his diocese that – possibly – other church leaders cannot reach.

Dr John Sentamu yesterday called in to the Heineken John Smith’s Brewery at Tadcaster, followed by a visit to the town’s swimming pool and then a question-and-answer session at St Mary’s Parish Church.

John Gemmell, trading director for Heineken, said beforehand he was looking forward to showing the Archbishop how one of Yorkshire’s most famous products was made.

“The Diocese of York and John Smith’s have each, in their own way, served the local community for hundreds of years and Archbishop Sentamu’s visit will strengthen these ties,” he said.

Chris Porter, manager of Tadcaster Swimming Pool, said that when the Archbishop met staff and volunteers, he was seeing what community spirit could do.

“It is important that the volunteers are recognised for what a fantastic job they do to keep this local amenity operating,” he said.

“The Tadcaster Swimming Pool Trust opened in December 1994 and is managed and operated by more than 100 volunteers and supported by ten salaried members of staff. The volunteers work in all areas from poolside and reception to gardening and IT.”

Canon Sue Sheriff, of St Mary’s, welcomed the Archbishop to her church in the evening.

Dr Sentamu, who was accompanied in his visits by the Bishop of Selby, the Right Reverend Martin Wallace, said he always enjoyed coming to Tadcaster and was delighted to meet the staff and volunteers at the pool and the brewery.

He said there was always so much going on in the churches in and around Tadcaster, and it was wonderful to see first-hand what God is doing in people’s lives.

He added that he hoped he would have found out as much about the people of Tadcaster as they found out about him.

Saddened by Archbishop Rowan Williams stepping down

DR Sentamu has spoken of his “great sadness” after hearing yesterday that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, will be stepping down at the end of December.

Dr Williams, 61, who was appointed the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury in 2002, is to take the position of Master of Magdalene College at the University of Cambridge from next January.

The Archbishop of York is widely viewed as the front-runner to replace him, in a move which would make him the first black Archbishop of Canterbury.

Dr Sentamu spoke of his partnership with Dr Williams over the past six years as the “most creative period of my ministry,” adding: “It has been life-giving to have led missions together, gone on retreats and prayed together. In his company I have drunk deeply from the wells of God’s mercy and love and it has all been joyful. He is a real brother to me in Christ.

“The last decade has been a challenging time for the Church of England and the Anglican Communion. Thankfully, Archbishop Rowan is a remarkable and gifted leader who has strengthened the bonds of affection.”