A much-loved former Dean of Brecon Cathedral is celebrating his 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.

The Very Reverend Geoffrey Marshall, and his wife Hazel, are celebrating the milestone.

Educated at Ripon and Durham University, Geoffrey completed his training at Mirfield.

After serving curacies in the south of England, Geoffrey continued his ministry in Derbyshire, where he ultimately undertook several higher appointments before moving to Brecon.

Fondly remembered by Brecon townspeople and his congregations at the Cathedral, St Mary’s and Llanddew, which were sad to see them go, he and Hazel retired 10 years ago to Derbyshire, where they have many friends and connections.

But retired is the wrong word - Geoffrey continues to be very engaged both in church and charity, serving the congregations of local churches and exercising his charitable endeavours through extensive sponsored cycle rides for good causes, both in the UK and abroad.

For many years, Geoffrey has also led pilgrimages to places of great interest in areas off the beaten track in Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Israel, Palestine, Turkey, Armenia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Cyprus, Poland and Nepal, to name a few, and is welcomed by the Christian communities he has come to know in many parts of the world.

Hazel, too, is no less busy. With the unobtrusive energy and enthusiasm with which she has always supported Geoffrey’s work she continues the fine, and much appreciated, tradition of hospitality established for both congregation and community in Brecon, as well as finding time to help in Derby Cathedral.

And of course, they also enjoy spending a lot of time with their grandchildren.

Left is Geoffrey in conversation with a Chaplain after visiting the Katholikos (Head of the Armenian Church - pictured right)
Left is Geoffrey in conversation with a Chaplain after visiting the Katholikos (Head of the Armenian Church - pictured right) (.)

Back in 2014, Geoffrey led the service at the mother church of the Swansea and Brecon Diocese on Sunday, June 2 for the final time.

During his six years as Dean, Geoffrey oversaw numerous improvements to the Cathedral building, while he also held a Christmas tree festival and became a regular feature at the Brecon Jazz Festival, donning outfits and parading with the Adamant Band.

He also undertook cycle rides in support of housing charity Shelter Cymru and Christian Aid.

Congratulations to them both and good wishes to them for the future.