Dear Friends,

It is wonderful to have finally joined you as Priest-in-Charge of the Beacon Team of churches. We began with a bang (well, certainly a bell or two!) on Monday 15th April with a huge celebration at St. John the Evangelist, Grayrigg where I was licensed and installed. It was a great occasion with people turning out from each parish and my family coming up from the Midlands to support me. Thank you to everyone who made it such a special and memorable evening and for your warm welcome.

I am excited to begin working in the team in this new role. It will take time to get to know all of the parishes, but I will be working with the local schools and joining in with as many community events as possible, so hopefully you will see me around if we haven’t met yet!

I have two grown up children, James (21) who’s currently studying at Sheffield University and Eleanor (17) who is at QKS in the 6th form studying A levels. I love singing, dancing with Crook Morris, paddleboarding, have been known to run a mile or two (I ran 10 marathons in 10 days for the Brathay Trust in 2021) and enjoy getting out and about with our poodle, Milo.

As I write this letter it is a bright sunny day for once after almost continuous rain for what feels like an eternity! I’ve noticed the blossom on the trees again and everything starting to thrum with signs of new life and regrowth. This is a new chapter for me and for our parishes as we continue to walk with God through each season. I will be praying daily for our parishes, for all who live and work in them, for God to bless each person and for them to see signs of his presence as they go about their lives. May you know God’s rich blessing on you this day.