Deanery Sub-Wardens
Deanery Sub-Wardens, who are appointed by the Warden, have the Following responsibilities:
To carry out the initial stages of the selection of Reader trainees by receiving initial enquiries and nominations from Incumbents, meeting both candidates and Incumbents, arranging for candidates to see vocations chaplains where necessary, taking up references and submitting reports on candidates to the director of Reader selection.
To serve as selectors if required.
To provide information as required on selection and training of Readers, and their ministry.
To be a member of the readers board.
To encourage each trainee to form a link with an experienced Reader to be a friend and mentor.
To encourage collegiality between Deanery Readers by arranging regular meetings for prayer, study, discussion, fellowship, etc.
To exercise pastoral care for all serving and trainee Readers in their Deanery, subject to the report to the Warden (or Deputy Warden) as appropriate, and in consultation with rural Deans.
Bishops Waltham Deanery - Norman Chapman
The work and ministry of readers in our churches has over the past few years increased, as less full time ordained clergy are available, and the lay ministry of readers in the church plays a fuller part in all aspects of church life in our deanery.
In our deanery of Bishops Waltham in the early 90s we had just six readers, but we can now rejoice that over the last few years the number has increased, and today we have 16.
All readers are now licensed to serve in their own parish and also in the deanery so you will find readers every week taking services in many of the churches in the deanery.
The clergy and readers have an excellent working relationship and all meet together regularly at deanery chapter.
We are all part of a team working with each other to extend God's kingdom in this area.
If you have someone in your parish who would like to explore the possibility of becoming a reader, I would be pleased to talk with them. Readers and the Reader Ministry continue to be a real part of parish work in this deanery.
Email Norman
Fareham Deanery - Christina Ahern
I was raised in Gosport and after marriage moved all the way to Fareham. I have been married to Mike for thirty four years now. I taught in Rowner, Gosport for twenty five years until ill health persuaded me to take early retirement.
I was licensed as a reader in 1999 to the church of St John the Evangelist, Fareham and in this role I am able to maintain my interest in education by being a governor at two schools. I particularly enjoy visiting the schools to take part in assembly or work with the children in the classroom.
email Christina
Gosport Deanery - Roger Miles
As the Sub-warden for the Gosport Deanery I am one of the eight readers who work in the Deanery.
Our meetings are not all church based. We have BBQs and other social times together as well as more formal meetings for worship, prayer and fellowship.
As the Deanery grows there is a need for more Readers to assist the clergy and support services.
Any one who would like more information about Reader Ministry in Gosport, should contact me for an informal discussion.
My secular role is that of an Independent Financial Adviser.
Also I am a member of the Milton Glee Club, a Christian based choir, which is a registered charity. The Glee Club puts on four concerts each year and raises funds for local causes.
email Roger
Havant Deanery - Elaine Davenport
I have been licensed as a Reader since 2003 to the Parish of St Wilfred's, Cowplain, where I am very involved in Westbrook Church, which was planted from the main church in 1990.
I work at The Rowans Hospice in the Bereavement team and see my role as a Reader and my work role as complementing each other. My work can be emotionally demanding and my faith helps me enormously when working with hurting people.
I have been married to Dave for 34 years and we have 3 children. We moved from Manchester to the Portsmouth area in 1992 with Dave's job and have settled well as the rain is a lot warmer down here!
email elaine
Petersfield Deanery - Bill Grace
Bill has been Sub-warden in Petersfield Deanery since 1995, and has seen the number of active Readers there increase to its present number of 21.
Over the years, Bill has encouraged greater liaison of Readers with Clergy, so that Readers are now able to attend some of the Deanery chapter meetings. He has kept a watching brief on Reader Ministry and its deployment within the Deanery, encouraging Readers to minister, where appropriate, in parishes other than their own, subject, of course, to their own wishes and the needs of the incumbent.
Like all sub-wardens, Bill is responsible for interviewing Reader candidates, prior to the formal selection process. There are presently two Deanery trainees in their third year, and another trainee about to commence the course in September 2003.
Bill is licensed to the parish of Petersfield (with Buriton). In addition to his other duties he is currently Assistant Chaplin in the local hospital. He has three adult children, plus two grandchildren.
Bill is always willing to chat to anyone with as interest in lay ministry - whether or not they eventually become Readers!
email Bill
Portsmouth Deanery - Jeff Harvey
I have been a Reader since October 2001 having completed my training at All Saint's Church, Portsea, under the direction of Len Fox.
Since August 2003 I have been a Reader at St Margaret Eastney, and was privileged to accept the post of Sub-warden to Portsmouth Deanery in January 2004.
I would like to think that I am open, honest, and sincere, bringing a pastoral practical approach to the Reader Ministry, as well as the traditional preaching and teaching skills.
I look forward to being of service to my fellow Readers and trainee Readers in Portsmouth, once I have 'learned the ropes!'
email Jeff
East Wight Deanery - Rodney Fox
There are 22 Readers in the East Wight Deanery and a further 3 are in the process of training to become Readers. We meet every two months, alternately in church and over a meal in a pub. We also hold an annual quiet day each spring.
I have been Sub-warden since 2002 when my predecessor, Hilary Spurgeon, moved on to be a Deputy Warden. I have been a reader at Holy Cross, Binstead and at St. Peter's, Havenstreet since 1999, having previously trained and been licensed in the Guildford diocese.
There is a huge wealth of experience of Reader Ministry among the readers of the East Wight Deanery, if you think that you may have a vocation to this form of ministry, do contact me and I will be happy either to meet you or to put you in touch with someone who can tell you more about what we do and the selection and training of Readers.
email Rodney
West Wight Deanery - Ethne Whitlock
email Ethne
