Vicar: Timothy Robb
Having ministered at St Mary’s since 2007, it is a joy to know and be part of this great community. My passion is seeing people discover the amazing person Jesus is, and the transforming work the Holy Spirit brings in our lives all the time! I still speak with an accent (so I’m told!); I am married to the lovely Julie; we have an awesome daughter Sarah…and a dog called Millie! I also love good wine (anything New Zealand of course!), Advert Stamps, and Viola jokes.
Community & Church, Families and Children’s Worker: Liz Faulkner
This exciting role at St Mary’s involves me leading Little Stars, Friday Clubs, Additional Needs group, Sunday school and other community based family events. I’m passionate about helping all our local families and children engage and seeing supportive relationships being built. I love all things sci-fi, especially Doctor Who and Star Trek so a lot of my spare time is spent (along with my husband and daughter) heading off to comic conventions!
Treasurer: Roy Notley
I am the Treasurer of the Church. For extra revenue I always search.
People duck when they see me coming. They think I am always after something
I was born and bred in the city of Norwich. Brought up on enormous bowls of porridge.
Joined the Air Force, now that was good. Enjoyed the life cos I knew where I stood
Got married and had four wonderful kids. They’re grown up now, I’ll take any bids!
I am married to Brenda, we met in 93. Since then my life’s been filled with glee
I enjoy what I do, I feel I belong. I wish I could sing, I like a good song.
Now I’m retired I have time to give service. But don’t ask me to talk, that makes me nervous.
Assistant Minister (retired): George Cobb
At the heart of George’s ministry has been evangelism and the healing ministry then later, palliative care chaplaincy. George has been very happily married to Marilyn since 1973, and they have two married sons and four wonderful grandchildren. As well as being a keep fit enthusiast George has been a longstanding supporter of Oxford United and Portsmouth FC, and Hampshire County Cricket Club. Other interests include reading, cryptic crosswords, and listening to music.
Assistant Minister (retired): Ray Porter
Ray retired in 2013 from his full time role as a lecturer in World Mission, but evidence of retirement is hard to find. Ray regularly ministers at St Mary’s and neighbouring churches, and is continuing to do some lecturing at Oak Hill, Ray is currently Chair of Churches Together in St Neots. His interest in trains is partially channelled through participating as a Trustee of the Railway Mission that provides Chaplains for the Railways. Ray and Janice have three grown up children and two grandchildren and live over the river in Eynesbury
Reader: John Wood
I have spent most of my life putting atoms where they did not want to be. In short, I am atomic anarchist. For the radio programme: “The Museum of Curiosities” I donated a single atom of iron which the producer in a later programme said was one of the three most interesting objects to be donated during the lifetime of the programme. I am now a retired academic but retain links in various ways with many universities around the world and large research institutions including CERN in Geneva. I have been a licensed Lay Reader for many years trying to bring a bit of science wisdom to those willing to listen. In 1984 my wife (Ali) and I moved to a small village near Eaton Socon (Bolnhurst) and started the Stables Christian Centre that now focuses on supporting learning disabled and mentally challenged clients. Otherwise I am chair of the Christians in Science Trust, an associate of the Faraday Institute on Science and Religion and a member of the Bishop of St.Alban’s Science and Apologetics group. We have two children who are both research scientists and three bouncy grandchildren. A little know fact is that I am an honorary citizen of Cluj-Napoca in Romania, the capital of Transylvania – so be careful!
Church Administrator: Karen Mackenzie
I joined the team at St Mary’s as Church Administrator at the end of 2016, after almost 30 years working for a well-known local company. I was drawn to the Church after serving the Food Bank which operates a centre at St Mary’s. I had been impressed with the community work I saw and wondered how I could help further. In that moment I decided to put in my CV – divine intervention one might say!! The rest is history. The post is varied and often very busy, but I love the work I do.
I have been married to my best friend, Colin, for over 35 years and, no, I am not going to make any jokes about prison sentences being shorter!! I love cocker spaniels (I have two), gin and tonic, travelling, walking, reading and hassling the Vicar – and not necessarily in that order of importance!!
Verger, Sexton and Caretaker: Roy Driver
Hi, my name is Roy and I am the caretaker. I started in the role in 2016 and have enjoyed supporting all the events this great old building holds.