I am very much looking forward to moving to Waterlooville later in the year and beginning my ministry among you. I thought that in advance of my arrival you might like to know a little about me. It is, of course, very difficult to give a portrait of oneself in a short paragraph, but the following will give a brief sketch of me, my background, and my interests.
I was brought up in Chichester, where I lived until my early twenties. I was baptised and confirmed at St George’s Church in Chichester, and it was here that my vocation to the priesthood developed. I would describe my churchmanship as ‘modern Catholic’, clearly rooted in sacramental worship.
Before ordination I studied for my first degree at the University of Lancaster, and remained in the north of England for a while, where I also qualified as a secondary school teacher. Returning to Sussex to train for the ordained ministry, my first post was as curate in the Moulsecoomb Team Ministry, a large Urban Priority Area to the north of Brighton. Later I became Vicar of St Mary Magdalen, Coldean and then, in 1999, Lead Chaplain to the University of Brighton. Here I manage an ecumenical team of chaplains.
From 2012 I have had the added responsibility of being Priest in Charge of the Parish of Stanmer with Falmer.
Combining university chaplaincy with a parish has been something of a challenge, but has also been deeply enriching.
Among my many hobbies I am a keen runner, particularly distance running. I have competed in marathons across Europe, as well as a number of half-marathons. I also enjoy long walks with my 2 year old Cocker Spaniel, Alfreda (also known as ‘Alfie’ or ‘Freda’) - she is great fun and is very sociable! I also enjoy cooking, the theatre, and movies.
I consider it a great privilege to be asked by Bishop Christopher to become Vicar of St George the Martyr, and I look forward to sharing in Christ’s mission with you.
Yours, in Christ
Fr Colin.
A happy dog’s bedtime prayer
Now I lay me down to sleep,
The king-size bed is soft and deep.
I sleep right in the centre groove
My human beings can hardly move!
I’ve trapped their legs, they’re tucked in tight
And here is where I pass the night.
No one disturbs me or dares intrude
Till morning comes and “I want food”!
I sneak up slowly to begin
And nibble on my human’s chin.
For morning’s here, it’s time to play,
I always seem to get my way.
So thank you Lord for giving me
This human person that I see.
The one who hugs and holds me tight
And shares their bed with me at night!
