The Bishop of Sheffield, Jack Nicholls, had his final interview as Bishop to the Sheffield Diocesan website last night just a few hours before his farewell service as Bishop in Sheffield Cathedral.

Bishop Nicholls, who is retiring after 10 and a half years as Bishop said he had very mixed feelings about turning up at the Cathedral because he hates saying goodbye:

“I don’t know – part of me is looking forward to it but part of me is dreading it! I am looking forward to seeing so many people, I won’t know where to start! Even my old history teacher is coming, Miss Chadwick from Rossendale. I still call her Miss Chadwick!”

The Bishop said that he wanted the service to be a celebration of both is priesthood and episcopacy: “I would like it to be a celebration of my 40 years as a priest, as well as my 18 years as bishop.”

Asked what his memories of his time as Bishop of Sheffield would be, he said: “The highlight, looking back was certainly the opening of the centre for the homeless at the Cathedral."

But he was also quick to pay an immense tribute to his wife, Judith: “The person who has done at least as much as I have is Judith – and I can’t tell you how grateful I am to all that she has done for me over the years – and for many other people too.” He later underlined that in the Cathedral Service.

He added: “As soon as we retire we are taking all the family on holiday to Normandy – to catch up with each other. Then I am having a bit of a break, and then we have quite a bit in the diary”.

There seems little doubt that Bishop Nicholls is going to be active in retirement: “Somebody asked me today if I could preach in May 2010 and I had to say that I was already booked! Sheffield Diocese has been a wonderful place for the past 10 and a half years and we will continue to pray for everyone”

Click here for Bishop Jack's Farewell Sermon at Sheffield Cathedral