Pat and I have both had careers in the NHS.

After a general surgical training at the RUH, Bath, I passed the FRCS and began a training programme in neurosurgery at Frenchay. After an unsuccessful research project looking at the EEG in traumatic brain injury, I transitioned into Emergency Medicine, ending as Consultant in the A&E department, BRI. During that transition time our Christian Faith was a solid and secure foundation as we navigated choppy waters! I trained at West of England Ministry Training College (WEMTC) and was ordained priest by Bishop Jim Thompson in 1999. Time spent in Dorothy House as a specialty doctor in Palliative Care, and 5 years as Director of Student Affairs, Bristol Medical School, brings us to 2016.

I then left the NHS and began a 9 year stint as University Chaplain, University of Bath. This was a fascinating time, working with dedicated students and staff, in a science-based university. We navigated Covid lockdown, caring for 500 plus students living on campus, and developed an interfaith programme, based on mutual respect and sharing. This was to come into its own supporting students and staff on both sides the Israel / Gaza conflict. Our students – tomorrow’s leaders – were determined to show their opposition to armed conflict as a means of solving disputes. We set up the University of Bath Interfaith Community.

After a career in nursing and midwifery, including a few years at the University Medical Centre, Pat ended up as Nurse Specialist in Gynae at the RUH. She left the NHS after 44 years in 2022.  She now works part-time as Volunteer Chaplain at Bath Abbey. We have two daughters, Claire and Anna-Fleur, one son-in-law Andrew, and 2 grandchildren, James and Georgia-Rose.

After 26 years working as a priest “outside the church building”, this is my first parish to care for as Rector. I am passionate about showing, and enabling, a solid authentic faith in Jesus Christ, that supports all.