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"I am a Probationer Deacon with the Methodist Diaconal Order, based in the Andover Circuit for the next three years. I trained part time with WEMTC - West of England Ministerial Training College - and one year full time at Wesley College in Bristol, where travelling on the M4 on a 70 mile round trip each day is one experience I am not in a hurry to repeat! This training package has given me a Diploma in Theology and Ministry with Bristol University.
At the Methodist Conference in 2005 at Torquay, I hope to be ordained as a Deacon, but in the meantime I am required to carry on with my studies. This involves firstly a project carried out locally, and then an ongoing study programme in consultation with the Diaconal Order. I hope to be able to study the church's role in the healing ministry - having benefited personally from this - or something to do with evangelism, as knowing Jesus changed my life around.
I'm married to Bob and we have three grown up 'children'. Two of whom are married with children, and our youngest who is at Bath University. Our background is in farming - Bob married the farmers' daughter! We began our married life in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, and moved to Wiltshire in 1984 to a farm at Seend, nr Devizes.
In 1996 we sold the farm and moved to nearby Chippenham. Bob found employment fIrstly with NHS supplies and then with the local Volvo garage. I worked for the local Methodist Church whilst completing my training as a Local Preacher. I then entered the Foundation Training programme and was accepted for training with the Diaconal Order.
Every year we make our pilgrimage to Easter People! The old adage, 'The more you put in, the more you get out' holds true here. Last year we were involved in the traditional worship venue at Mary Magdalene Church: Bob playing in the worship band and me as part of the prayer ministry team. Bob also helped behind in the scenes providing technical support and liasing with the volunteers. I confess to sneaking off to hear some of the excellent speakers!
This event is for all people; all ages and all experiences of church - there really is something for everyone. I enjoy the family atmosphere and meeting up with friends associated with the Lay Witness Movement and Share Jesus missions. It also gives us a broader view of the Methodist Church. Enough of the commercials - we are currently booking up for Torquay this year, if you would like to join us, we'd love to hear from you.
Let me leave you with the thought that whatever our experience of God, there is always more waiting to be revealed; something which Ifind tremendously exciting and challenging!"