Sarum College gave a huge thank you to James Woodward on Thursday 25 June 2026 as he retired from the role of Principal. A large number representing the college staff and trustees past and present, friends from the Cathedral and the cathedral Close and wider Salisbury, colleagues from Dioceses and from Winchester University, and members of the student body were present to give thanks for James’s ministry at Sarum over nearly 11 years, and to raise a glass.
Speeches were led by Bishop Alastair Redfern, recently retired Chair of the College Trustees, who picked out three words (with accompanying fridge magnets!) to mark James’s time as Principal. Regal, referring to the move James made from Windsor to come to Sarum College. Northern, which James has been proud of being. And Generativity, a word James has used a lot in teaching and speaking. Bishop Alastair brought these together to speak of James’s wonderful gifts he has brought to his oversight, how he has been real and challenging, and how James has trned difficulties into opportunities that have made college the thriving and trusted place it is today.
Another trustee, Revd Professor Liz Stuart spoke from her friendship with James over many decades, starting by saying how James would have been at home in so many different times in history. She pointed to the way he has held a lightness of being together with deep theological thinking, combined with ‘an undiminished prophetic spirit’ that addresses complex issues of our day. She spoke of how she has been impressed at the way James has led Sarum College, and the pride people have who have studied and trained here says so much.
Academic Dean Revd Paul Burden then echoed James’s tradition at staff leaving events of picking three words beginning with the first letter of their Christian name. Admitting J is a difficult letter for this, he picked Jagger, relating to James’s many anecdotes of people he has met, including Mick Jagger, and thanking him for sharing himself with others. Again James’s fondness for the word generative was mentioned, only with a J, with thankfulness for his undiminished passion for theology and for the development of students. And Journeying, thanking James for the huge journey he has taken the college on, from low student numbers when he came to very high numbers and a strong reputation today.
From a collection made from staff, students and friends, we presented James with a coffee maker and a very large sum of wine vouchers which, after briefly being slightly and uncharacteristically lost for words, James said made him ‘a very happy boy’.
James’s farewell to us again used three words, these beginning with S for Sarum. He said that Sarum is a Spirited place in its energy and enthusiasm and encouragement; is a Special place in its uniqueness and exceptional quality of welcome and invitation into rest refreshment and the adventure of learning; and is a Soulful place – expressive, emotional and heartfelt. The full text of his speech can be found here.
The atmosphere was one of great thankfulness to James for all he has given to Sarum College, in hard work, vision, and passion. We will miss him, and our best wishes go with him for a happy, enjoyable and fruitful retirement.