In September, we welcomed nine new members of clergy across the diocese, some coming from within our diocese and others joining us from dioceses across the country – Revd Dr Johannes Radvan, Revd Dr Tracey Villar, Revd PJ Brombley, Revd Jennifer Wright, Revd Jon Westall, Revd Joel Wicks, Revd David Reid, Revd Claire Robinson, and Revd Canon Peter Harwood. We heard from a few of these men and women below, about their ministry journeys and prayers for the future.
Please join us in praying for all our new clergy, that God will guide them as they take their next steps on the path He has called them to.
Revd PJ Brombley
On 15 September, Revd PJ Brombley was licensed as the new Vicar of St Francis Valley Park. He said:
“We are moving a short journey down the M3 to Valley Park from Basingstoke, having spent the past few years at Basingstoke Church as Associate Minister helping establish a resource church there. I’ve previously also ministered in the fine city of Norwich as well as closer to Valley Park in Southampton. In all those places I have always been passionate about seeing people come to faith, and church grow in number and in depth. We are looking forward to joining in with what God is already doing in Valley Park and help lead where God is taking us next.
“We’d love your prayers as we as a family settle, as our children start new schools and make new friends and that we’ll see God do amazing things in Valley Park.”
Revd Jennifer Wright
Also on 15 September, Revd Jennifer Wright was licensed as the new Rector of Farleigh, Candover and Wield. She said:
“It came as quite a shock to receive an unexpected call to ministry. A call to become a priest; to teach, administer the rites of the Church, and to help people and communities bring their whole lives, in joy, sorrow, and the day to day, before God.
“Quite naturally this was different to my own plans in life, and I did my very best to ignore my calling for as long as I could, but I found out that it is hard to say no to God.
“I then went on to train at Cranmer Hall, St John’s college in Durham. Training allowed me to work in new places, and I experienced working as an Anglican Chaplain in the prison service. I was also lucky to spend time on an Army Chaplaincy course and lived with the Sisters of the Order of the Holy Paraclete in Whitby experiencing the monastic life in its fullest form.
“I was Ordained in 2022 in Lichfield Cathedral and served my Curacy in the Benefice of Bradwell and Porthill, large urban deprived areas in the middle of Newcastle under Lyme. I have enjoyed being a part of life in the parishes, local schools and community groups but I am looking forward to returning to rural ministry.
“I have come to learn that the thing that keeps me going each day is my love of Jesus. In my future ministry as Rector in Winchester Diocese I hope to resonate that love through my ministry. To work alongside people wherever they may be, to introduce people to God’s love at times of sorrow and of joy and to walk alongside people in my parishes.
“Please pray for me, my family and the parishes of Farleigh, Candover and Weild in the coming months as we settle and get to know each other, and listen to where God is calling us to join in with His work.”
Revd Jon Westall
On 16 September, Revd Jon Westall was licensed as the new Rector of Milton. Over 160 people attended including Revd Jon’s family, the New Milton Town Mayor, local residents, over 25 clergy from the surrounding area and a group from St. Dunstan’s East Acton, Revd Jon’s previous parish.
Revd Jon was the vicar of St Dunstan for 19 years, and was part of the ‘growing younger team’ in Willesden, working with families with young children. Before that he was responsible for leading a church plant – New Hope Community Church in Reading, which was part of Greyfriars Church.
Revd Jon said: “I’m feeling excited by the opportunity to be part of the parish as we seek to serve the local community and proclaim and share the love of Christ. I’m looking forward to living in the community, getting to know the local area and enjoying God’s creation in the New Forest.”
Revd Joel Wicks
On 17 September, Revd Joel Wicks was licensed as Associate Minister of Totton and Calmore. He said:
“Hi, I’m Revd Joel Wicks and I am delighted to have joined Winchester Diocese and especially working with the wonderful team and congregation at St Wins and St Annes in Totton and Calmore as Associate Minister. My wife Lauryn and our children Elijah (14), Sarah (11) and Lizzie (8) are also excited to be meeting new people and getting settled into life in our new parish. Before moving to Hampshire I spent 5 years as Pioneer Curate at Christ the Servant King, Hampton, Peterborough after training for ordination at Oak Hill College. Before ordination I worked as a children and families worker in my home town of Braintree, Essex. Before our return to the UK we spent six years living in Wellington, the capital of Lauryn’s native country of New Zealand, where I worked with international students.
“As I move forward in my role here in Totton and Calmore I am particularly excited to help facilitate people going deeper in their discipleship of Jesus Christ, seeing the Holy Spirit at work changing lives and families from all backgrounds growing together in their faith and in building new worshipping communities. I love my job because I get to help people encounter Jesus as they hear his word read and preached and through the presence of the Holy Spirit as they worship, what a privilege!
“Lauryn and I would be very grateful if you are able to pray for us as our family gets used to our new life, particularly the children in their schools and building new friendships, and for the purchase of a longer term home for us to live in Totton itself to proceed quickly so we can feel fully settled in the area.”
Revd Canon Peter Harwood
On 29 September, the Revd Canon Peter Harwood was licensed as the new Rector of Andover Benefice. He said:
“I’ve been serving as Director of Mission in the Diocese of Guildford. Previously, I was an incumbent for 17 years, and before that, I was a medical doctor caring for people with AIDS. Along the way, I’ve discovered a real heart for helping churches grow in faith, confidence, and mission.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know the people and communities of Andover, building strong relationships across the parish, and seeing how we can grow together in faith and service over the coming years. Please pray for wisdom and grace as I step into this new role, for my family as we settle into a new home and community, and for the parish as we begin this new chapter together.”
