Key words and phrases

My background was in the countryside of small town Scotland.

In my spare time I read, I play folk music, I enjoy being out in the countryside where I indulge in my love of photography, and I spend as much time as I am able with my family.

I long to see the church flourish in our towns, cities and countryside, encouraging new people to discover the love of Jesus, whilst supporting our faithful congregations as they worship God and serve their local communities.

We are seeing many denominations and organisations leaving the countryside.

Now, in my forties, I have returned home to Worcestershire to raise our three boys in the countryside, where our parish church has been the centre of village life for us.

I grew up in Herefordshire countryside so you will often find me out for my daily plod through nature.

been close to over-stretched rural multi-parish benefices (I know that the system in some parts of the countryside is in crisis); I have sometimes worked not far from very challenging urban environments where ‘parish’ has little meaning; I have had many reasons to value strong Diocesan teams; and I know that all churches depend on a continuing supply of willing volunteers, whatever their size or tradition: so I know the Church needs not simply to treat parishes as fixed and absolute.

I am connected with rural England through extended family who farm, and I have a deep love of the countryside, rural life and traditions.

I lead an active life and appreciate living in the beautiful Swiss countryside.

We enjoy walks in the countryside, food, and music.

My recreations include singing in the local village choir, opera, football, playing the organ regularly in my local village Church, and enjoying the local countryside with my two dogs.

In my spare time I love singing and playing the violin, reading, and exploring the East Devon countryside and coastline.

I am also a passionate gardener, countryside walker and runner, and I love a good barbecue with as many people as possible!

The rural church is often forgotten, but there is much we can learn from the traditions, farming routines and quirks that make up our beautiful countryside.

I will aim to: o Advocate for rural churches to be heard and seen, championing farming communities and mission to our isolated and dispersed countryside communities. o Ensure every person in each parish is seen as important and cherished, that we go out to the community rather than expecting people to come to the church.

I currently lead one of its homegroups and a countryside walks group, created to bring together church members and others from the local community in walking, friendship and discussion/Christian reflection.

Now happily ensconced in the Suffolk countryside with my husband, two teenage boys and two rescue cats after a 30-year career in marketing and advertising.

I love music, playing piano, travel, and walking through our beautiful countryside.

I enjoy reading, playing the clarinet and tennis and walking in our beautiful Yorkshire countryside.

My experience comes from fifteen years of rural multi-parish ministry, built on a previous career of countryside land management with councils and charities.