Why did you decide to enter the ministry?
I blame my first parish priest, after I defected from the Methodists. He was controversial, an off-the-wall liberal who loved the Book of Common Prayer and everything theatrical. I think he saw me coming and reminded me of an itch I’m still scratching. It had always been there but grew over the years. So I trained as a Reader, but it wasn’t enough and 25 years ago I was ordained.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Cheltenham, Bristol and Bath. Though I’m not sure where home is any longer. I’ve lived longest in Cumbria.
Why did you first come to Wanstead?
We first came to Wanstead about 4 years ago. Our son and daughter-in-law live in Forest Gate, and since they can’t walk on the Lakeland Fells, we’ve walked in the Park, Wanstead Flats and around the Forest well before the post in the Parish came up. Location was, perhaps, a factor in bringing us here.
What would you like to achieve as the house-for-duty priest?
As a good non-conformist, liberal-catholic, often heretical, Anglican (and Methodist) who first trained and worked in theatre, I am fascinated with liturgy and how we encounter God in worship. I’d like to bring some new and, I hope, radical ideas into what the parish does inside and outside its buildings, and what we do together.
Do you have any interesting facts about yourself?
It rather depends what you regard as interesting. Becoming a trombonist at 50? Should have more sense? I’ve retired at least twice. I have a plan to mount a real time Passion Play from Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday one year. Anyone care to join?
Why should someone want to get in contact with you?
I talk a lot, but think I can listen as well. I’ll support anyone who doubts or is confused about faith. I love teaching.