ST. MARY'S NORTHCHURCH
UNITED BENEFICE OF NORTHCHURCH & WIGGINTON
WHO'S WHO
It is a great privilege to be Rector of St Mary’s Northchurch, a role which I have undertaken for nearly 20 years.
I am married to Rachel and we have three daughters who have now flown the nest.
In my previous posts I was based in Wallingford, Reading, Stoke-On-Trent and Southampton.
I enjoy history, walking, cycling and playing football.
Associate Priest
I am based in Wigginton and my role involves assisting the Rector with various services as well as pastoral care within the community and surrounding areas. Being part of the community and stepping out in faith, allows me to witness and participate in God's work. It is both humbling and a privilege to serve in this capacity.
I am also a Padre for the Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC) in Chesham and High Wycombe, providing pastoral support to the Cadets, offering guidance and leadership on moral and spiritual matters, enrolling Cadets after their Recruits Course, leading 'Padre's Hour', and attending the annual chaplains' conference. Additionally, I join the Cadets for flying sessions and attend their annual camps.
It is an honour to serve in these roles and contribute to the growth and well-being of those I serve.
Lay Minister and Reader
As a Lay Minister and Reader, I am a member of the church who is licensed to preach at St Mary's and at St Bartholomew's, Wigginton.
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I love living and working in the community of Northchurch and spending time gardening then enjoying sitting in it quietly. Sewing crafts are a passion of mine, cooking too, and playing my part in the flower guild at St Mary’s.
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I am married to Paul, and together we have three married daughters and four teenage grandchildren.
Lay Minister and Reader
I grew up in Northern Ireland, then after spells in Manchester and London, Brussels became home to Diana and me, and to our three children. Busy and exciting jobs, a city that is friendly to family life, and the international community of Holy Trinity held us happily for 38 years. With retirement came the chance to study theology in Leuven.
At the end of 2012, we moved to Northchurch, where we have space for gardening, watching cricket, reading and walking. We are surrounded by a delightful community.
As a Lay Reader, I am licensed to preach at St Mary's, and I try to make myself useful here and there, sharing my exhilaration with following Jesus Christ.
Churchwarden
I am delighted to have served as Churchwarden for the over ten years!
I have been married to Brian for over 50 years and we have two adult children, Martin and Claire, who live respectively in Cumbria and the Dominican Republic.
Career-wise, I have been quite a restless soul over the years, starting out as a dental nurse when I left school, moving on to managing a decorating shop, a teacher, a cook in the Way Inn and then a civil servant for the prison service.
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The best parts of being a Churchwarden are the welcoming of friends old and new to all our many activities, and negotiating with the Diocese for repairs to the church and grounds. I love being an active part of the community of St Mary's and Northchurch.
My main hobbies are cycling (mostly to local pubs for a pint or two) and cooking.
Churchwarden
I have lived between Northchurch and Berkhamsted for nearly 10 years, and currently work as a secondary school teacher.
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My wife Emma and I joined the congregation at St Mary's in 2023, and immediately felt the overwhelming friendliness and community spirit of the church. I was baptised and confirmed at St Mary's in 2024, and married there in 2025!
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As Churchwardens, Evelyn and I look after the fabric and maintenance of the church, and are great first ports-of-call for any questions you may have. I also look after the church Social Media.
Come along and say hello!
Parish Safeguarding Officer
Prior to looking after safeguarding for the church, I was churchwarden for over 16 years.
I am married to Clare and we have two grown up children and two grandchildren.
I am a native of the North East of England, having moved to Berkhamsted 35 years ago.
My interests include rugby and cricket and I try to keep myself fit whilst avoiding the gym. I am a keen swimmer and cyclist and have recently taken up tennis again after a long period away from the game.
