Our Ordained Ministers
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Fr Malcolm Strange Rector, Pastoral and Missional Oversight, with responsibility for Winterbourne Down |
Malcolm began serving as the Fromeside Benefice's Rector in December 2016; a real change from his previous job as Assistant Principal of St Bede’s Catholic College in Bristol. It was a wrench to move away from education, though a decision made with conviction after much prayer, and he now uses his expertise to support local schools, the diocese, local authority, and other organisations. He is married to Jo and, between them, they have 4 children. They love walking and through our holidays they have developed a love of Spain. He's always been keen on sport of all kinds – Swindon Town FC frequently gets a mention in his sermons. Music too is an important part of his life – he will often play guitar within the Benefice whenever the chance arises.
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Fr David Jones Associate Minister & Discipleship Missioner, Pastoral and Missional Responsibility for Coalpit Heath |
David is minister with responsibility for St. Saviour's, Coalpit Heath. He also works across the Yate and Fromeside Mission Area as Discipleship Missioner. In addition to this David supports vocations in the diocese as an Assistant Diocesan Director of Ordinands. David was Ordained Deacon on the 30th of June 2019 and Priest on 10th October 2020, having spent two years training at Trinity College in Bristol and serving his context placement in the Fromeside Benefice. Following this time David served his Curacy in the Fromeside Benefice. He has previous experience as a deanery lay chair and church warden. Jobs before ordained ministry include as a bus driver, a customer records administrator, an insurance clerk and an ice cream salesperson. David is married to Elaine and has many children.
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The Revd. Joanna Hodge Associate Minister, Pastoral and Missional Responsibility for Winterbourne |
Joanne was first ordained in 2019, having studied Theology, Ministry, and Mission at Trinity College, Bristol. She has obtained plenty of experience in Yate, where she ministered both before and after ordination, and joined the ministry team in the Fromeside Benefice in January 2025.
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Fr Ben Thompson SMMS Assistant Curate, Pastoral and Missional Responsibility for Frampton Cotterell and Iron Acton |
Ben is currently the minister who takes responsibility for Frampton Cotterell and Iron Acton. Having trained at Ripon College Cuddesdon, University of Oxford before ordination, he is currently completing his in service training to hold posts such as 'Vicar' or 'Rector' in the future. He originally trained as a classical percussionist and conductor, during which time he met his wife, Sarah. He initially deployed his skills in The Salvation Army, the denomination he grew up in. He later became a secondary and sixth form teacher. These experiences continue to inform his interests in liberation theology, ecclesiology, education, and religion and the arts. He is currently also one of the tutors for Exploring Christianity, an adult entry-level theology course, and a member of the Sodality of Mary, Mother of Saints (SMMS), a dispersed international community of priests with the Anglican Communion who seek to grow in holiness through the catholic traditions within Anglicanism, and the prayer and support of one another.
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The Revd. Julia Chard
Associate Minister, Pastoral Care responsibility for Winterbourne
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Julia joined the Fromeside Benefice as Associate Minister in February 2017, having trained at Trinity College. She was ordained in 2011, having been licensed as a Lay Minister in 1999. During that time, she was a Sub Warden of Readers, and also trained as a Spiritual Director. Previously, she was worked alongside others in Downend, Frenchay and Soundwell churches. She says "I've been blessed with my links with people on the fringes of the church - in particular making connections with young families through Baptism Preparation, Messy church and pastoral care"
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Our Lay Ministers and Staff
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Nessa Jarman Benefice Administrator |
Having grown up and worked locally, Nessa knows the Fromeside area well, and her roots are within the Anglican tradition. She is now an active member of Jacobs Well pioneering Christian community, which keeps her busy with volunteering roles in the south Yate area. In her 'spare' time you'll find Nessa gardening at home and on the allotment or open water swimming ! She is married to Richard and they have two adult sons.
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Becky Cox Pastoral Liaison Worker and Youth and Families Missioner |
Becky works across our churches, supporting the development of appropriate activities and content to engage local families with the life of their local churches. She also provides mentoring in many local shools on our behalf, leading a team of mentors who volunteer in the local secondary academy. She also oversees Messy Church, and often can be found taking assemblies in a local school. |
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Jo Strange Licensed Lay Minister, St Michael's School worker |
Jo provides support within our School's team, mentoring children at one of our local primary schools. She is energised by working with young families, and helps facilitate and often leards the family services at St James. She is also part of the pastoral care team. In her spare time she loves to cook, particularly baking, and seems to have become her family’s resident celebration cake maker! |
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Mike Swain Licensed Lay Minister |
