Spirited Lady
25 November 2010
New University Chaplain Richenda Leigh.
It's great to come to a place where the Chaplaincy is held in such high regard.
”University Chaplain Richenda Leigh.
Richenda Leigh talks to Connected magazine's Sean Kirby.
Connected talks to Richenda Leigh, the new University Chaplain.
She's bantered with Richard Bacon on BBC Radio Five Live and worked in some of London's poorest areas but Richenda Leigh admits to having been a bit nervous on taking up the post of University of Derby Chaplain.
Richenda, 39, has replaced Chris Hodder as the University's Anglican Chaplain and Pastoral Services Co-ordinator, (and Chaplain to Derby Cathedral). Chris left in the summer to become Priest-in-Charge of Wilford Hill (Southwell and Nottingham).
Big Challenge
Speaking to Connected at the Multi-Faith Centre at the University's Kedleston Road site, Richenda says: "Although I worked as the Chaplain for London Metropolitan University for five-and-a-half years, Derby is my biggest challenge to date. The job here has more management aspects to it and the Multi-Faith Centre is a very busy place."
Since arriving at the University she has been hosting a series of 'getting to know you' teas and other meetings with staff and students, and is now approaching one of the busiest periods of her year, Christmas.
It is a very different role from the one her younger self envisaged.
Local Roots
Richenda was born in Sheffield to a Vicar father, the late Martin Leigh, but grew up in the Bakewell and Borrowash area. She attended schools in Ilkeston, Derby and Bakewell; including the Derby High School.
"In many ways I feel I have returned 'home' by coming to work at the University," she adds.
Despite her father's religious role, Richenda was keen to tread the boards and did a BA (Hons) in English and Drama at St Mary's University College.
"I was going to be a famous actress," she says with a smile.
London Work
Instead, Richenda ended up making a valuable contribution as a parish youth worker for a couple of years in the inner-city area of Poplar, in London's East End.
She then took a Theology degree at Cuddesdon College at Oxford University. Jobs followed as a Curate-youth worker and Hospital Chaplain in London, before taking up the University Chaplain role at London Metropolitan University.
Media Role
She has managed to combine her religious career with some of her earlier ambitions to be a performer, making regular appearances on Richard Bacon's late night discussion programme on BBC Radio's Five Live and has also been a guest on the corporation's News 24 rolling news channel.
That kind of outgoing nature will come in useful in her new role. During his time at Derby her predecessor, Chris, abseiled down one of the University's towers dressed as a banana for charity and also played the role of Stan Laurel.
"I'd like to continue the good work that Chris and Ginny (Jordan, former Pastoral Services Co-ordinator) did here, of course. It's great to come to a place where the Chaplaincy is held in such high regard."
This will mean the Chaplaincy's involvement in activities such as the University's Fair Trade initiative, and in discussion groups and other projects, will continue.
"I'm just not sure about abseiling down a tower," adds Richenda.
Sympathetic Ear
One of the things she is keen to do while at Derby is to increase people's awareness of the Multi-Faith Centre as a place where they can come to discuss their problems.
"In the first week of term, we had 16 students come in for a chat because they weren't sleeping very well. Going to University is one of the biggest steps you'll take in your life and it helps if you can go somewhere, get some space and make things a bit more bearable.
"It might not sound particularly spiritual but if my vocation is about anything it's about making people happier, not just creating lots of 'mini Christians'," says Richenda.
This helping hand extends to staff as well.
"It is a very difficult time for higher education all-round, with public sector job losses and the debate on student fees. It helps if people can have someone to talk to."
Film Fun
As part of this 'listening initiative' Richenda will also be asking staff, students and visitors what they want from the Chaplaincy.
She is still formulating her long term strategy but, as a film buff herself, one of the things she is planning to do in 2011 is set up a movie club at the Multi-Faith Centre.
"We might even show Monty Python's Life of Brian," she says mischievously.
