Daffodil LogoSt Mary's Church, Dymock


People

 

We have a full-time priest (Rector) in charge of the "United Benefice of the Leadon Vale". They are the only full-time stipendiary (paid) priest in the team, but are currently assisted in the Dymock area by 2 other priests who either have another job in commerce or are retired, and by 4 non-ordained (lay) assistants - 2 'Readers' and 2 'Lay Pastors', and by 4 PCC Appointees: Secretary, Treasurer, Organist/Choirmaster and Bell Tower Captain.

For details, click appropriate office here: Priests, Readers, Lay Pastors, Churchwardens, PCC Appointees

Readers
People trained in theology and ministry who are not ordained but remain part of the 'laity'
David Clowes has been married to Ruth for 41 years. They've lived in Dymock for 4 years, having previously lived in Surrey and the Coventry area. They've a son called Philip and two grandchildren, Polly and Thomas who live in Somerset. David retired to Dymock after a career as an engineer in Transport Control Systems. He was licensed as a Reader and served in the Coventry diocese in 1978 before moving to the Southwark diocese in 1983 and to Dymock in 2003. (Readers are admitted to a nation-wide ministry but are usually licensed to one area at a time). (Return to top)

Picture of David Clowes
Mr David Clowes

 
Roger Parker has been married to Sandra for 33 years, having met through a church amateur dramatics group. They lived in the London suburbs until they moved to Donnington next to Dymock in 1996. Roger is recently retired from a career in electronic design and project management. He’d led youth activities and adult enquirer's groups so was delighted when, in 1997, he was invited to join the Dymock Local Ministry Team (LMT). In 2003 he began training as a 'Reader' and on completion of training in 2006 was licensed to the Benefice. (Return to top) Picture of Roger Parker
Mr Roger Parker
LAY PASTORS
People who are not ordained but who are trained to provide pastoral care
Ruth Blandford was married to Jeff for nearly 44 years until he died in 2002. She's lived in Leddington since being married in 1958 and has 4 sons, Brian, Trevor, Neil and Simon and one grand-daughter, Ella. Ruth was one of the original 'Lay Pastors' formed in 1982 by the Revd Reg Legg (a previous vicar), which transferred to the diocesan Local Ministry Teams (LMT) when that was subsequently created. Ruth has also been a churchwarden at Preston Church since 1976. (Return to top) Picture of Ruth Blandford
Mrs Ruth Blandford
 
Ruth Clowes has been married to David for 41 years having previously lived in Surrey and the Coventry area. They've a son called Philip and two grandchildren, Polly and Thomas who live in Somerset. Ruth retired from a career as a Dietitian in 2002. Whilst living in Surrey, she trained and was licensed to the diocese of Southwark as a Southwark Pastoral Auxiliary (SPA). She was an honorary lay chaplain at Southwark cathedral and has continued that role at Gloucester cathedral where the team of lay chaplains offer pastoral care and prayer ministry to people who visit the cathedral. (Return to top) Picture of Ruth Clowes
Mrs Ruth Clowes