9 November 2026
The Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev’d Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, has announced that the next Area Dean of Maldon and Dengie will be the Rev’d Julie Willmot.
Julie is Priest-in-Charge in the Benefices of Purleigh, Woodham Walter and Woodham Mortimer with Hazeleigh where she has served since October 2019.
Commenting on Julie’s appointment, Bishop Guli said:
“I am delighted that Julie has agreed to serve as the next Area Dean of Maldon and Dengie. Area Deans play a vital role in the life of our Diocese, supporting church leaders in their ministry and helping churches work together in service of their local communities.
“I am grateful to Julie for taking on this additional responsibility. She brings great experience and a strong commitment to collaborative ministry that will serve the Deanery well.
“I would also like to thank the Revd Peter Begley for his dedicated service as Area Dean and for all he has contributed during his time in this role.”
The Maldon and Dengie Deanery is in the Bradwell Episcopal Area and the Bishop of Bradwell, the Rt Rev’d Adam Atkinson said:
“The churches and communities in the Maldon and Dengie Deanery will be richly blessed by Julie’s ministry as their next Area Dean. Her pastoral heart and commitment to serving others will be greatly valued by clergy and lay leaders across the area. Please pray for Julie as she prepares to take up this new role.
“I know many people will want to join me in thanking the Revd Peter Begley for his ministry as Area Dean. His leadership and support have been greatly appreciated by church leaders throughout the deanery.”
Commenting on her appointment, the Rev’d Julie Willmot added:
“I am delighted to have been appointed by Bishop Guli as the next Area Dean of Maldon and Dengie. The deanery brings together a rich variety of churches, traditions and communities, all seeking in their different ways to serve God faithfully and love their neighbours well. I am looking forward to getting to know our churches even better, supporting both clergy and the laity, and to working together as we seek God's guidance for the future. There will be both opportunities and challenges ahead, but I am excited to see what God has in store for us. I would be very grateful for your prayers as I begin this new role.”
Julie will be licensed as Area Dean of Maldon and Dengie in early January 2027.
