Experience the Power of Faith at St Andrew's Medstead
Vicar
Rev'd Canon Howard Wright
Howard is married to Helen, and they have four grown-up children and four grandchildren (as of 2023). Howard has served in various church jobs and been vicar of The Church of the Good Shepherd (COGS) Four Marks for over 20 years, and of St Andrew's since April 2024 as part of the new parish of Medstead and Four Marks. He loves the outdoors, enjoys all sports, supports Arsenal, and plays football regularly. He also carves with a chainsaw as a hobby! But most importantly, Howard is passionate about the life, truth, and way of Jesus.
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Contact: 07746 066046 or vicar@pmafm.co.uk
Retired Clergy
Rev'd Ingrid Owen -Jones
Originally from Germany, Ingrid moved to Medstead in 2019 to be nearer her 2 children. She began her working life as a banker and before training for the priesthood, she had several years as a language teacher.
All of her service after ordination, which included running rural and urban parishes, had been with Derby Diocese until she and Peter retired down here in East Hampshire. In Derbyshire, she led a team of Pastoral Visitors and became a Foundation Governor at the Local Primary School.
She has Permission to Officiate in Winchester Diocese and sees it as a privilege to continuing serving here in Alton Deanery.
Contact: 01420 446467 or ingrid@ipoj.co.uk
Church Warden
Peter George-Jones
Peter is married to Tracey and they have 2 daughters. Peter has had a long career in facilities management with his last role being with the NHS at Guy's and St Thomas' in London. Peter moved to Medstead 4 years ago and retired in 2022. As well as being churchwarden, Peter volunteers at Winchester Cathedral as a steward in the Kings and Scribes exhibition and is a bellringer at Bentworth and Chawton. He keeps occupied with gardening, DIY and learning bridge as well as being a regular user of Alton Sports Centre.
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Retired Clergy
Rev'd Peter Owen -Jones
Brought up in West Hampshire, Peter moved to Medstead in 2019 after many years in Derbyshire. He was ordained over 30 years ago, exercising his Ministry mainly in Derby Diocese where he served in various senior capacities including Area Dean. This overlapped with a long career in the Rail Industry as a Chartered Engineer and Senior Executive.
He holds Permission to Officiate in Winchester Diocese and considers it a privilege to be serving here in East Hampshire.
Outside of the villages of Bentworth, Lasham, Medstead and Shalden, Peter is a Visitors' Chaplain at Winchester Cathedral and supports the Diocesan Clerical Registry.
He has been married to Ingrid for over 50 years. They share two Daughters and six Grandchildren.
Contact: 01420 446467 or peter@ipoj.co.uk
Church Music
Wendy and Patrick Busby
St Andrew’s has an excellent organ and a 4 part robed choir who regularly lead the worship at most communion services and major festivals throughout the year.
We always welcome new members. There is no audition but a basic ability to read music is recommended.
We rehearse on the 1st, and 3rd Sundays from 10.30 until 10.50am. Please contact Wendy or Patrick if you are interested in joining us.
Organist: Patrick Busby - Email patrick.busby@gartner.com
Church Choir, Choral director: Wendy Busby - Email: wendy.busby@hotmail.co.uk
THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL (PCC)
PCC members who are presently serving are:
Incumbent: Reverend Canon Howard Wright
Warden: Mr Peter George-Jones, Mrs Debby Barnes (Assistant)
Representative on Deanery Synod: Mrs Jackie Jurd
Elected Members for the Parish of Medstead and Four Marks:
Debby Barnes, David Duffin, Peter George-Jones, Tracey George-Jones, Jeremy Griggs, Timothy James, Jackie Jurd, Frank Maloney, Pam Maloney, Bob Meekums, Ian Trotter, Andrew Walters, Jill Williams,
David Williams (Secretary)
School Governors and Safeguarding
St Andrew’s has close links with Medstead C of E Primary, our village school. We have two Foundation Governors, Debby Barnes and Tracey George-Jones, both of whom sit on the school’s governing board. Foundation governors represent the C of E and act as a link between the school and the wider worshipping community, supporting the school in upholding it’s Christian vision. The Christian values of Trust, Courage, Hope and Resilience form the backbone of the school’s vision. These values are celebrated by the children during the daily act of collective worship, and the children are encouraged to live out these values in their daily lives.
The school welcomes Reverend Howard to lead a fortnightly act of collective worship, and in addition, services take place in church to mark special events and celebrations throughout the year.
Safeguarding: Tracey and Debby have both done a qualification with/for the school which is also relevant for the Church.
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The LCG (Local Church Group) for St Andrews:
Peter George-Jones, Debby Barnes, Ian Trotter, Jeremy Griggs, Jackie Jurd, Anne Lofthouse, Deborah Jackson and Sharon Blackshaw