Fr Ian was born and grew up in Birmingham. After leaving school, he attended Bedford College of Education and gained the Certificate in Education qualification. He worked in education for a number of years and then moved into work with the elderly, both in residential and day care settings.

Fr Ian studied for the priesthood on the Oxford Ministry Course. He was ordained deacon in 1992 at Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford and priest at St Peter & St Paul, Buckingham in 1993. He has served at St Martin, Fenny Stratford since 1992.

Following his recent retirement, he hopes to spend more time on his interests, which include railways and cricket.