The Diocese of York has agreed to make Reverend Melanie Burnside the

permanent Vicar of the Benefice of Helmsley and Upper Ryedale! That is

such good news for the Anglican churches across the two parishes. Since

November 2023 Reverend Mel has held an Interim Appointment which

was for the four Parish of Helmsley churches and the two Methodist

churches in Helmsley and Rievaulx. This permanent appointment does

not cover the two Methodist churches, however there is a resolve to

continue the splendid ecumenical ambition we have begun, and to

continue and develop partnership working, links, and joint activities to

strengthen the ties between the Anglican and Methodist faiths in our

community.

The PCCs of both parishes are delighted with this announcement and

look forward to Reverend Mel’s Licensing Service to be held at 7pm on

Monday 23 March 2026 in the Church of All Saints, Helmsley which will

be presided over by Bishop Barry Hill, Bishop of Whitby. More details

about the service arrangements will be announced in due course.