Simon Taylor

Rector Simon’s interests include Jesus Christ, The Bible and Manchester United. He started life in Manchester, grew up in Richmond-Upon-Thames, moved to Sussex and has returned to his Surrey roots as Rector of Busbridge and Hambledon Church. Prior to this Simon was in a growing urban church in Crawley, West Sussex. He also worked for the Diocese of Chichester in developing the next generation of church leaders. Read more…

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Dudley Hilton

LLM

Leader: 6.30pm Congregation (Busbridge)Dudley Hilton is a Busbridge Church Warden and a Licensed Local Minister (Reader). He retired early, in 2010, after 37 years working in London, latterly for one of the “Big 4” firms of chartered accountants, and he now relishes both the hours gained through no longer commuting and the ability to “potter” without feeling (too!) guilty. Married to Pat, they have two adult children, one of whom is married, and presented them with their first grandchild in May 2012. Dudley became a Christian about 20 years ago after being dragged along by Pat to a Parish Weekend – the shock of finding that Christians were actually quite normal and not Bible-wielding fanatics made him want to find out more – and they have been worshipping at Busbridge since then. Dudley leads the 6.30pm Congregation with David Mace.

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Catherine McBride

Clergy

Leader: Heritage Congregation (9.30am) and Contemporary Congregation (11.00am) at Hambledon ChurchCatherine will be joining the ranks of Busbridge and Hambledon Church in May 2012. Despite having spent most of her life in the South East of England, Catherine was born in South Wales and so is genetically incapable of being anything else other than an ardent Welsh rugby supporter. Her other favourite pastimes are walking, good meals with friends, real ale and malt whisky – and preferably a combination of all of the above. Before ordination, Catherine worked for many years in the pharmaceutical industry; first in R&D and then Regulatory Affairs. After two years studying at Ridley Hall in Cambridge, she completed her curacy in Shrewsbury. Her passions in ministry are: to encourage genuine discipleship, as people learn what it means to follow Jesus and live transformed lives; to grow meaningful community, where people find welcome, love and support and to equip and enable God’s people to discover and use their gifts to serve their community and reach out to others with the love of God and the message of the gospel. As well as leading the congregations at Hambledon Church, Catherine also has the role of Director of Discipleship across the Benefice.

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Andy Spencer

Clergy

Leader: Classic Congregation (10am) (Busbridge)For most of his working life Andy has been involved in education, particularly on the pastoral and guidance side, but also teaching Geography and Religious Studies. He now works for the Diocese on a part-time basis as a member of the Core Team delivering the Local Ministry Programme which trains LLMs, ordinands and clergy. He’s married to Margot and in his spare time he gardens, plays tennis, follows rugby (Welsh!), is a Governor of the church school and is wedded to his Kindle!

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Margot Spencer

Clergy

Leader: Contemporary Congregation (10am) (Busbridge) Margot was ordained in 2001 and spent almost four years as Assistant Minister in Wonersh and Blackheath, before returning to Busbridge in March 2005. She and Andy have lived in Godalming since 1974. They have three married daughters and six grandchildren. In a previous life, Margot was a nursery teacher, practice manager of a GP surgery and church administrator at Busbridge – but not all at the same time! Margot leads the Contemporary Congregation (Busbridge) with Simon. Margot also oversees pastoral care, including the bereavement visiting team for Busbridge and Hambledon.

Email Margot

1. 

   Simon Taylor

2. 

   Margot Spencer

3. 

   Andy Spencer

4. 

   David Mace

5. 

   John Postill

6. 

   David Jenkins

7. 

   Catherine McBride

8. 

   James Gibson

As well as the rector and congregational leaders here are some people you may see…

Liz Beckingham

Liz is involved in the 6.30pm Congregation. She leads services and is on the congregation planning team. She is married to Iain, who can be found in the music section of this website.

Ruth Bennett

LLMRuth has been a member of Busbridge Church for over 20 years. Since retirement from midwifery lecturing in 2000, Ruth has ministered as a Reader (now Licensed Lay Minister) and shares in most aspects of church services, groups and pastoral ministry. She cares for her friend Linda Brown, who has MS. Linda says of her, “Ruth is a very careful and loving person who can appear a little frightening until you take the time and trouble to get to know her. She is very clever but not at all overwhelming. Take the time and listen closely and you will be rewarded. I was.”

James Gibson

ClergyJames joined us in July this year as a curate, which really means he is “a vicar with ‘L’ plates!” He will be working across both Churches and all congregations in the Parish. He is married to Debs and has two children. They have just moved from Bristol where James was studying Theology at Trinity College. Prior to starting his ordination training, James worked as an engineer in a variety of roles including designing jet engines for Rolls-Royce in Bristol, installing drinking water systems and toilets in Africa and Latin America for Action Against Hunger and WaterAid, and latterly for the Environment Agency in their Flood Risk Management Team based in Reading. When asked about his hopes for his time here in Godalming, he says: “I believe that God has called me and my family here to serve and to learn. I am passionate that all of us grow in our understanding of who God is and discover how exciting it is to follow him.” James is a keen cyclist and enjoys running, walking and being outdoors in general. He also enjoys sampling good draught beer and is looking forward to exploring all that Godalming and the Surrey Hills have to offer.

Clare Haddad

David Jenkins

LLMDavid and his wife Elizabeth have been involved with the church for over 20 years. After a number of years of youth work; bowling, ice skating and other youthful pursuits, David took on a fundraising role for the church.He then trained as an LLM. In the last few years he has felt God nudging him on to do some more training to become an Ordained Local Minister (called OLM). He’ll finish his course this year and will be ordained a curate in July and will remain involved in Busbridge and Hambledon church.

Karen Klair

Karen is involved in the 6.30pm Congregation as a service leader. Karen also volunteers in the church office and until recently was a leader in the Sunday youth programme for over 16 years.

David Mace

Clergy

David has a background in the oil industry. He is also involved in aspects of the working of the Church of England. He co-leads the 6:30 with Dudley.

Chris Payne

Chris, a retired teacher, is an occasional preacher at the classic service, leads the singing in church about once a month and is on the prayer ministry team. She is married to Ed who is on the sound team for the classic service and helps with health and safety concerns.

John Postill

Clergy

John was ordained in 1967 and after ministry in Crawley, Bradford, Norfolk, W. Sussex retired in 2003 from Busbridge&Hambledon. For the past 7 and a half years shared in the ministry at Shottermill and returned to Busbridge&Hambledon in 2011 to help wherever and whenever required. Married for 50 years to Jeannie, John follows Hull City and Yorkshire County Cricket.

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Peter Shaw

LLM

Peter is a Licensed Lay Minister (Reader) involved in leading and preaching and in working with individuals and groups in the Benefice. Peter was formerly a Director General in the UK Government and is a Founding Partner of Praesta, an Executive Coaching Business. He coaches and leads workshops internationally. He is a Visiting Professor of Leadership Development at Newcastle University Business School and at Chester University. He has written a number of books including; Conversation Matters, Mirroring Jesus as Leader, Making Difficult Decisions, Deciding Well, Raise your Game, Defining Moments, The Christian Leader in the Global Workplace, and Thriving in Your Work. Peter enjoys long distance walking and has completed 10 long distance walks in the UK. He is married to Frances.

Gertrud Sollars

LLMGertrud retired from teaching Religious Studies A level in July 2011. This means she can now spend a lot of time on things she enjoys – walking, cycling, reading books (theology, fiction, poetry, occasionally cookbooks), knitting for her granddaughter, being a Licensed Lay Minister and Warden of LLMs in the Diocese. At Busbridge, Gertrud is mostly involved with the Classic service, but she also likes to contribute to the Contemporary and evening services. Her particular concern in preaching is to link biblical teaching to current affairs and to hear what God is saying through the ancient texts to our lives today.

Ian Stonehouse

Licensed Lay Worker

Children & Youth DirectorIan’s passion is to enable children and young people know the truth of Jesus… to help them deepen their relationship with him and be empowered to use the gifts He has given them to serve and promote His kingdom. In his spare time he enjoys sending time with his family, his friends, his guitar and a glass of good red wine.

Email Ian

If you would like to seek pastoral assistance and care please contact the Church Office either by phone 01483 421267 or email.

Jean Hawden

Janet Matthews

Janet trained as a pastoral assistant 21 years ago – and enjoys supporting people through visiting and prayer. These days, for health reasons, she rarely visits but feels she can contribute through prayer and encouraging others. She partners Ruth in the Classic Service pastoral prayer support team.

Anne Rawson

Chris Sollars

Chris took early retirement in 2009 from a career in university-based research and project management and trained as a Pastoral Assistant from 2009-10. He is a member of the Pastoral Team for the Classic congregation and is a home group leader, a member of the home communion team and a bereavement visitor. He is married to Gertrud and has four grown-up children. He aims to bring experience from his professional and personal life to contribute as appropriate to his pastoral work in the church.

Jane Tomes

Sandra Wilkin

Janet Harvey

Janet says “People are my passion!” She enjoyed being an Infant school teacher for many years, before training to be a Pastoral Assistant. As a PA attached to the 6.30pm Service, she tries to get alongside the congregation, following up on those who may be bereaved, ill, or going through difficult times- listening, caring and empathising – helping them to feel that they are surrounded by God’s love. Confidentiality is of the utmost importance. Across the church, she also supports those with long term illness and takes Holy Communion to the elderly and housebound. Janet jointly runs Nexus, a group for women of all ages – who go to Busbridge and Hambledon church, or who live in the surrounding area. She also co-ordinates Welcomers for the 6.30pm Service.

Jill Johnston

Jill is married to George and they have a son and daughter, both married. Jill completed the Guildford Diocese training to become a Pastoral Assistant in 2002 and has also undertaken an introduction to Biblical Counselling course at Waverley Abbey. She has continued as a PA since then with specific responsibilities for pastoral care of members of the 6.30 congregation, a housegroup and also oversight of housebound communions.

Shan Hallam

Shan completed her Pastoral Assistant training in July 2012 and is increasingly involved in working as part of the pastoral team.  This involvement includes assisting in the pastoral care of the 6.30 congregation and leading a monthly prayer event called PrayerFest, which seeks to support young people facing the challenges and pressures in life; whether that be at home, school, college or university.

Pat Hilton

Pat retired recently after working as a district nurse for many years. Married to Dudley, she has two grown up children and has lived in Busbridge for almost 30 years, worshipping at Busbridge Church for most of that time. Pat completed the Pastoral Assistant course in July 2012 and is delighted to be part of the pastoral team. In her spare time she enjoys reading, walking (Pat walked part of the Camino de Santiago last summer), gardening (usually!) and foreign travel (very much).

Dudley Hilton

Busbridge Warden

Dudley Hilton is a Busbridge Church Warden and a Licensed Local Minister (Reader). He retired early, in 2010, after 37 years working in London, latterly for one of the “Big 4” firms of chartered accountants, and he now relishes both the hours gained through no longer commuting and the ability to “potter” without feeling (too!) guilty. Married to Pat, they have two adult children, one of whom is married, and presented them with their first grandchild in May 2012. Dudley became a Christian about 20 years ago after being dragged along by Pat to a Parish Weekend – the shock of finding that Christians were actually quite normal and not Bible-wielding fanatics made him want to find out more – and they have been worshipping at Busbridge since then. Dudley leads the 6.30pm Congregation with David Mace.

Mark Williams

Busbridge Warden

Mark is a ‘local lad’ having grown up in Guildford and moved to Godalming 18 years ago. Married to Katrina, they have three fabulous children. After studying Business at university he trained as a management accountant and worked in very diverse roles including a family distribution business and property management. He has a passion for the sea, gadgets, time with friends and a proper whisky mac. Baptised, confirmed and married at the same church he first made a Christian commitment at a youth camp and retains a belief that excellent youth work is a key part of what we do. Mark has been involved in Holiday Club, Pathfinders, leading services, social events, practical projects and loves to get stuck in whenever he can.

Vicky Page

Hambledon Warden

Vicky is married to Rick and has two children. Vicky was brought up in Hambledon, in fact, she knows of 6 generations of her family that have lived in Hambledon to date! She went to Sunday school at Hambledon and later on became a Christian at Hambledon Youth Fellowship in the 1980s. She studied Hispanic studies at University – having spent her teenage years growing up in Argentina and going to school there. After working in retail in London for a number of years, Vicky gave up work to become a full time mum and then the family moved back to the beautiful Surrey countryside. “Hambledon church is very special to me and it is very exciting to be part of the benefice going forward as church warden for Hambledon.”

Jacqui Rook

Hambledon Warden

Karen Kinder

Communications & Office ManagerKaren has been attending Busbridge Church for about 5 years and is married to Steve, with 2 children. Her role is part-time – she has a background in Marketing & Communications but took a career break after having children. Despite have moved over to the UK in 1999, she still occasionally gets mocked for her New Zealand accent.

Email Karen

Nick Pinches

Administration ManagerNick has attended Busbridge Church for more than 20 years. A mere youth of only 27 and married to Sarah, he has a lot of fingers in a lot of (church) pies (quiches/cream buns etc) and is enjoying his part-time role submerged in paperwork. The dark circles under his eyes can be easily explained – he became a dad in December 2011 and baby number two is due at the end of June. He also leads in the 6:30.

Email Nick

Anna Brockman

Church Intern 2012-2013Anna has been going to Busbridge Church all her life and is working in the church office this year with administration, the toddler groups and youth work. She is looking forward to getting to know people from different congregations and learning how the church works. This year will hopefully help her decide what she wants to do as a career in the future.

Email Anna

Ian Stonehouse

Children & Youth DirectorIan says “My passion is to enable children and young people know the truth of Jesus. To help them deepen their relationship with him and be empowered to use the gifts He has given them to serve and promote His kingdom. In my spare time I enjoy sending time with my family, my friends, my guitar and a glass of good red wine.”

Email Ian

Lisa Edge

Oasis Student Youth WorkerLisa joined Busbridge church as the Student Youth Worker in September 2010. She is studying a degree in Youth Ministry at Oasis College, London and works with the young people of the church. Previously Lisa experienced ministering to youth in her home church, and has grown up in the local area with a passion for reaching out to young people in the community to become servants of God to enhance His kingdom.

Email Lisa

Alex Hodson

Children’s WorkerAlex has been a member of Busbridge church for 8 years, is married to Nigel and has two boys. Alex started out by helping in the Ark as a parent leader for 4 years and then whilst she was doing part time administration work in the church office was asked to take over the Children’s work, an area of ministry which she had a real heart for. With much trusting of God she took on the post and has really grown into her role over the last 2 years. She feels fortunate to be part of a church where children almost out-number adults!

Email Alex

Alwyn Webb

Ordinand in Training at St Mellitus CollegeAlwyn is placed in Hambledon church for 3 days a week and will be overseeing the youth and children’s work at Hambledon. Alwyn left secondary school teaching to train for ordination. Prior to teaching Alwyn did a short spell in South America with YWAM working with street children in Brazil. He also has a Forces background as he spent seven years in the Army. He is married to Kate with two children.

Email Alwyn

Mark Pateman

Director of Older People’s MinistryMore information coming soon Email Mark

Penny Naylor

Prime Time Co-ordinatorMore information coming soon Email Penny

Alan Harvey

Music and Worship Leader Alan retired in 2008 from being SE Regional Coordinator at the Food Standards Agency to focus more on his first love of music and worship. A keyboard player for some years with music groups, Alan nowadays also plays classical organ and uses this developing skill base (for which he has ongoing tuition) within services at both Hambledon and Busbridge. He works alongside a strong and diverse team of talented musicians and singers across the Benefice. Married to Janet, with three grown up children, Alan is also Chair of Governors at Busbridge Infant School. Email Alan

Karen Hart

Karen has been involved in music in Busbridge Church in one way or another for the last 21 years, and has coordinated the music in the contemporary service since it started. She works full time in the Breast Unit at the Royal Surrey County Hospital and the Jarvis Centre, is married to David and has 2 grown up offspring, a cat and a house rabbit called George. In her spare time she sings with a local gospel choir, loves theatre, world music, festivals, travel, and is occasionally found doing African dance and percussion!

Iain Beckingham, Sally Falk, Shelagh Godwin & Terry Swanton

Iain, Shelagh and Terry form our excellent and dedicated organist team at Busbridge.  At Hambledon, our hardworking organist Sally has regular playing slots as does Alan, with Iain and Shelagh also helping out on occasions. Shelagh has a long standing interest in hospital radio, Iain works for Intel and Terry is retired, in his 80th year and adores playing piano, the organ and accompanying instrumentalists!

James Jagger

James is the Head of Geography at the local sixth form, Godalming College, where he oversees 4 staff and 250 Geography students. He is a passionate windsurfer and photographer, driving around in a self-styled surfer van. He is married to Nicky and has 3 children. James has been involved in worship leading and live music for over 20 years and lives out the line ‘no one moves like Jagger!’

Andy Marshall-Taylor

Roger Matthews

Roger is an Architect in private practice who has worked on some very large buildings and master plans and was at the forefront in the use of computers for architecture. He is now semi-retired and runs a practice from home. For several years Roger has led contemporary worship with guitar at Hambledon and Busbridge and currently serves on the PCC at Hambledon. He is married to Gill and admits he has too many hobbies and pastimes, they include: painting, drawing, playing harmonica in a rock band, sailing, gardening and grandchildren.

Paul Ridsdale-Smith

Naomi Skau

Naomi Skau happily played her guitar in secret for years until she went to live on a Christian Community where her minister said “I hear you play guitar”. This was the beginning of her worship journey and a deeper knowledge into what it means to be called to do something. She works at King Edward’s School, Witley as Assistant Housemistress and teaches English.  Newly married to Andreas, they find occasional moments to cook, walk and socialise.

Clare Haddad

Clare is Treasurer of Busbridge Church and has been a member since 1986, which is when she became a Christian. She is married to Souheil and they have a 14 year old daughter. Clare has been on the PCC for most of those years and was church warden before she became treasurer and also organised our ABC toddler groups for ten years. She is one of our local girl guiders, leading the 2nd Busbridge Brownies. She is passionate about parenting and particularly adores babies and toddlers, so if you have one, let her have a cuddle!

Alison Martin

Alison is Treasurer of Hambledon Church. She trained as a doctor in Newcastle and London universities and practised general medicine for 5 years in a mining community in South Wales before specialising in occupational medicine. Alison has worked in industry in a variety of companies and local authorities for over 30 years, latterly with BP. She has led and supported health teams around the world, many of whom were actively engaged in community programmes as well as managing employee health. Alison has 2 children and 4 granddaughters and another family of Old English Sheepdogs which she breeds. She loves tennis and garden design and also supports Welsh rugby.

Dave Chadwick

HambledonDave has been deputy warden for the buildings at Hambledon for several years.

Michael Stubbs

Busbridge For most of his working life Michael has been involved in Construction first as a Quantity Surveyor and for the past ten year as a CDMC – (nothing to do with chocolate!) – it’s to do with Health & Safety relating to building projects. He works for Faithful & Gould part of the Atkins Group. He attended Milford Infants, Junior and Godalming Grammar Schools. He was a Godalming Town Councillor for the last twelve years of the 20th century. He is married to Julia and prior coming to Busbridge they attended St Saviours Guildford. He has been on the Outward Giving and Youth & Children’s Teams for some time and is helping dig up the History of the Church and oversees the lighting. In his spare time he is involved with the Surrey County Youth Orchestra, SculptItand Wey Valley Housing, tries to keep the garden vaguely under control and enjoys researching the Normans!

No vacancies at present.