5 May 2026
The Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev’d Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani has announced that the Rev’d Gary Fleming will be the next Area Dean of Saffron Walden and the Rev’d Sharon Guest will be the next Area Dean of St Osyth.
Both will take up this additional responsibility alongside their parish ministry.
Since 2024 Gary has served as Vicar in the Benefice of Clavering with Langley, Arkesden, Wicken Bonhunt, Manuden and Berden.
Sharon is Vicar in the Benefice of Saint Osyth and Great Bentley and Priest-in-Charge in the Benefice of Weeley and Little Clacton, roles she has served in since 2025.
Commenting on the appointments, Bishop Guli said:
“I am delighted to announce the appointment of the Rev’d Gary Fleming and the Rev’d Sharon Guest as the next Area Deans of Saffron Walden and St Osyth respectively. Area Deans play a vital role in the life of our diocese, offering support and encouragement to clergy as they serve their local communities. Gary and Sharon are both faithful and committed clergy who will bring their own particular skills and experiences to their new roles and I’m grateful for their willingness to take on these additional responsibilities. I would also like to thank the outgoing Area Deans, the Rev’d Jeremy Trew (Saffron Walden) and the Rev’d Canon Philip Ritchie (St Osyth), for their service and contribution.”
Welcoming the announcement, the Bishop of Colchester, the Rt Rev’d Roger Morris commented:
“I am delighted that the Rev’d Gary Fleming and the Rev’d Sharon Guest have been appointed as Area Deans in the Colchester Episcopal Area. The parishes and worshipping communities of the Saffron Walden and St Osyth Deaneries will be greatly blessed by their leadership and ministry in these important roles. The Archdeacons and I very much look forward to working with them both.
“I would also like to thank the Rev’d Jeremy Trew and the Rev’d Canon Philip Ritchie for all that they have contributed to the Saffron Walden and St Osyth Deaneries respectively as the previous Area Deans.”
Reflecting on his appointment, the Rev’d Gary Fleming said:
“I am extremely honoured to have been invited by Bishop Guli to take up the role of Area Dean of Saffron Walden. The Saffron Walden Deanery is blessed to have a full complement of clergy in post which is a good place to start from. I look forward to getting to know clergy and lay colleagues even better and hearing about how I can support them in delivering God's ministry in their respective areas.
“The parishes are deeply rural and varied in tradition. However, I hope that a prayerfully communicated message of unity is one that can continue to hold us all together as the body of Christ, to serve the communities of this Deanery as God has called us to do.
“As I step into the role I look forward to discerning what exactly God has called me to be in this place, in this time. I am excited to understand what He has in store.”
Commenting on her appointment, the Rev’d Sharon Guest added:
“I was pleasantly surprised to be invited by Bishop Guli to be appointed as the next Area Dean for St Osyth and it is a privilege to serve in this way. The Deanery is largely Rural and Coastal with many loyal and faithful people serving in their churches and communities.
“I would welcome and appreciate your prayers as I seek to support the Deanery and continue serving in the parishes of Great Bentley, St Osyth, Little Clacton and Weeley, to the best of my abilities with the help of God and the great people who minister alongside me.”
Gary will be licensed as Area Dean at a Benefice service at St Nicholas’ Church, Berden at 4pm on Sunday 24 May.
Sharon will be licensed as Area Dean of St Osyth in the summer.