I am delighted to be taking on the role of Interim Lead Minister at All Saints’, Haslingfield during the vacancy, and I have received a very warm welcome from everyone. I retired as Rector of the Bernwode Benefice in Buckinghamshire and moved to Cambridge in February. It was a benefice of seven rural parishes and I was keen to continue ministry in a rural area even though we are living in Cambridge.
Throughout my life I have maintained links with the Cambridge area. I was born in Cambridge and our family lived in the village of Thriplow until I was 6. We then moved to the North West but I returned to Homerton College for one year to complete my teacher training. Most of my career has been teaching Geography in comprehensive schools, including 11 years as Headteacher in schools in Staffordshire. However, after more than 30 years in education I decided to re-train as a priest and was fortunate to come to Westcott House in Cambridge for two years. I have had wonderful support from John and our daughter, Katie, throughout my career and change of role.
We are a family of teachers! My husband, John, was a Maths teacher and latterly Acting Headteacher until retirement. His family originally are from the Fens, so we have strong East Anglian roots! Katie teaches Maths at Comberton High School and lives in Barton. One of the reasons for retiring to Cambridge was to help look after our grandchildren – Alba who was 3 on Christmas Day and Huw who is nearly 2. John and I are both finding that a day of childminding leaves us exhausted!
Just before I retired I contacted the Archdeacon, the Ven Dr Alex Hughes, and asked for advice about continuing my ministry in the Cambridge area. I am very pleased that he put me in touch with the Lordsbridge Team and that I am able to continue to work in a rural area.
Moving house just before the lockdown situation has been very strange. After months of limited contact with family and neighbours we are just beginning to get to know our new community. The warm welcome that I received in Haslingfield has more than compensated for the challenging circumstances earlier in the year. I hope that I can help you through the challenges that a vacancy sometimes creates in a parish. I’m looking forward to getting to know you all better in the months ahead.