Twenty one people are to be ordained to the Priesthood in the Diocese of Southwark this Petertide, on Saturday 6 July and Sunday 7 July. Find out more about our new priests below – please pray for them and the communities where they are serving their curacies.
Croydon Episcopal Area
The following are to be ordained Priest on Saturday 6 July, 11 am by the Bishop of Southwark, The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, at at St John The Evangelist, Upper Norwood. Bishop Christopher will be joined by the Bishop of Croydon, The Rt Revd Dr Rosemarie Mallett:
Kerry Jane Evans
Kerry Jane Evans, originally from Kent, moved to Surrey where she started her career as a flight attendant and met her husband. They have three grown-up sons. Kerry later pursued a degree in Youth Work and Ministry, focusing on Schools Ministry this ignited her passion for sharing the Bible with children in schools. As the Head of Bible Society’s Open the Book, she enjoyed seeing volunteer ministry thrive in local schools. In her free time, Kerry enjoys dancing, trekking, supporting local theatre, and discovering new places with her family and friends. Kerry is serving her curacy at Horley Team Ministry.
Jonathan (Jon) Fox
Jon Fox was born and attended school in Lincolnshire before studying Theology at university in London, a city where so much excellent theology is undertaken. After university he qualified as a teacher of Religious Studies, a career he has enjoyed for twenty-five years. In many ways his vocation to teach helped him to make sense of his vocation to priesthood. Outside of his work in education and church, he has contributed to supporting his local community as a School Governor and Officer in London’s Cadet Force. Jon’s family are keen gardeners, which is an activity he likes as well – he enjoys attending concerts in town, keeping fit, and going on long walks with his partner and black Labrador (Woody). Jon is serving his curacy in All Saints with St Margaret, Upper Norwood.
Ian Nott
Ian Nott was born in Bristol but grew up in Northamptonshire. He is a qualified social worker, with experience in working with adults, young people, and their families in settings related to mental health, brain injuries, youth justice and safeguarding teams. Ian is married and has two grown up children as well as two stepchildren. Ian enjoys being outdoors and close to nature where he enjoys Mountaineering, rock climbing, water sports and travelling. Ian is serving his curacy at The Good Shepherd, Carshalton Beeches.
Michael Nayagam will be received as priest at the same service:
Michael Nayagam
Michael Nayagam is originally from India where he was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest. His priestly ministry has included extensive experience leading Basic Christian Communities in India. He moved to the UK 23 years ago and has worked in various roles in the NHS Public Health sector. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he served as an Associate Chaplain at St George’s Hospital. Michael is married to Selestin and they have a daughter. He is currently serving at South Croydon Benefice and did his most recent theological training at St Augustine’s College. In his free time, Michael enjoys taking long walks and exploring sewing as a hobby. Michael is serving his curacy at St Peter & St Augustine, South Croydon.
Joshua Pollard is to be ordained by the Bishop of Fulham on Saturday 7 July at 5pm, by The Rt Revd Jonathan Baker at St Alban the Martyr, South Norwood. Bishop Jonathon will be joined by the Bishop of Southwark, The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun:
Joshua Pollard
Joshua Pollard grew up in rural Bedfordshire before spending recent years living in St Albans City. After school Joshua trained and subsequently operated as aircrew, most recently for a long-haul airline out of London. He enjoys hiking, swimming and theatre in his down time. he is also a passionate amateur choral singer. Joshua is inspired by and spiritually nourished through regular pilgrimaging to both the ecumenical and contemplative French monastic community of Taizé and the Anglican Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. He has volunteered in a variety of chaplaincy experiences including a prison, hospice, mental health hospital, airport and school. Joshua is serving his curacy in St Alban the Martyr, South Norwood.
Kingston Episcopal Area
The following are to be ordained Priest on Saturday 6 July, at 11am by the Bishop of Kingston, the Rt Revd Dr Martin Gainsborough, at All Saints, Kingston upon Thames:
Gillian (Gilly) Bailey-Smith
Gilly Bailey-Smith who hails from Essex, relocated to London to pursue a degree in Dance and Theology. After teaching dance for several years, her dedication to working with children led her to work in school chaplaincy. In September, she will assume a new role as a school chaplain, while also serving as a trustee for Nine Elms Arts Ministry. Gilly resides in South London with her husband and three adult sons. She takes delight in attending theatre performances, walking her dog on Clapham Common, and participating in Pilates classes. Since being ordained last year, Gilly has become the Chaplain at Emanuel School, Battersea. Gilly is serving her curacy at St James, Clapham.
Dr Giacomo (Jack) Belloli
Jack Belloli grew up in Isleworth in west London, where he was raised Roman Catholic and educated by the Benedictines, before moving to Cambridge to study English. Following further study and travel – including in the USA, as a Kennedy Memorial Scholar – he returned to Cambridge, where he wrote a doctorate on British experimental theatre of the last twenty years. It was here that he began discerning a call to the Church of England and to its priesthood. He continues to enjoy writing about contemporary theatre and poetry, as well as swimming, cinema, European travel and community organising. He’s looking forward to beginning ministry in a city that remains home! Jack is serving his curacy with St Paul, Wandsworth (Wimbledon Park).
Grey Collier
Grey Collier was born and brought up in Surrey and has lived in south London all his adult life. He spent his pre-ordination career as a human rights lawyer and campaigner and in non-profit leadership roles. He is strongly committed to social justice and inclusion, and is a charity trustee. He lives in Nunhead with three (near) grown-up children, and enjoys live music, walking the dog, weightlifting and staring at the sea. Grey is serving his curacy at St John with St Andrew, Waterloo.
Sarah Cornick
Sarah Cornick was born in Malaysia to a Malay mum and an Irish dad. She was brought up as a Muslim and lived in Saudi Arabia until the age of 12, at which point she came to England. She gained a BA in Philosophy and History before going on to an MPhil in Modern Middle Eastern Studies. She then trained as a barrister, practising civil law, before joining the Government Legal Department. She is currently doing the far more challenging job of being a stay-at-home mum to Joey (7) and Adam (4). She’s married to Rob, and in what spare time she has, she enjoys going to festivals, cooking very hot curries, and writing doggerel. Sarah is serving her curacy with the parish of St Thomas with St Stephen, Telford Park.
Sarah Curl
Sarah Curl was brought up in Somerset, before moving to London to attend Drama School. She has spent many years working in the Criminal Justice Sector, fulfilling a number of leadership roles in family, youth and community services. She has been living in Glastonbury since 2011. For the final year of her studies she has been on a placement with a rural parish of Wookey, Henton and Coxley, previously Sarah was an active server at Wells Cathedral and for the last five years has worked full time in educational chaplaincy for The Blue School and Wells Cathedral School. Sarah is married to David and has two children Sam (32) and Meg (17). Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, music, theatre, festivals, camping, crafts, and her King Charles Spaniel. Sarah is serving her curacy with the parish of St Margaret, Putney.
Jonathan (Jonny) Fitter
Jonathan ‘Jonny’ Fitter is married to Ally and they have recently welcomed their first child, Judah. Jonny gained a degree in politics at the University of Sheffield, before spending some years in the mission world in the UK, US and Thailand. In addition, he recently worked as an Assistant Pastor for an Anglican church in South London. He is a keen footballer, Leeds United fan and NFL enthusiast, loves live music and is regularly found trying his hand at cooking dishes from around the world. Jonny is serving his curacy with the parish of All Saints with St Margaret, Upper Norwood.
Natalie Jones
Natalie Jones was born and brought up in Warwickshire. She has a background in youth ministry and has spent time working for the Anglican Church in North Yorkshire and France. Natalie loves sending postcards, drinking good coffee and discovering new English Heritage blue plaques around London. Natalie is serving her curacy with the parish of St Peter, Norbiton.
Dr Matthew Linfoot
Dr Matthew Linfoot was brought up in Canterbury, and studied History at Cambridge. He has experienced various careers as an actor, a teacher, a radio producer and presenter, and for the last 20 years, as a university academic, specialising in audio and podcasting. In his spare time, Matthew, with his partner Nicholas, enjoys cycling, swimming and gardening. Matthew is serving his curacy with the parish of All Saints, Tooting.
Alex Mutyaba
Alex Mutyaba was born and brought up in Uganda, coming to London to study. He trained as a Chartered Accountant becoming a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and gained a Master’s Degree in Accounting. He has worked in accounting firms in South London preparing personal, small, and medium-sized business Statutory Accounts and Taxation and also served as a Lay Reader for a number of years. He is Married. Alex enjoys playing and watching football. He likes traveling and visiting historical ecclesiastical sites. He recently visited the Holy Land and was moved to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Alex is serving his curacy with the parish of St Mark, Kennington.
Dr Hannah Swithinbank
Hannah Swithinbank grew up in Cornwall, before moving to St Andrews to study and then to London to work. She has a PhD in Ancient History and worked for Tearfund in their Theology and Networking team before training for ordination. She has trained at Westcott House and the University of Cambridge, where she has developed particular interest in topics that relate theology, history, and empire. Hannah enjoys reading and photography, going to movies, plays, and concerts, and she would like to be a better gardener. Hannah is serving her curacy with the parish of St Philip and All Saints with St Luke (United Benefice), Kew.
Sarah Williams
Sarah Williams was born and brought up in South Wales. She studied Law and French at university and went on to practise as a solicitor for 10 years before having a family and becoming a fulltime parent. She is married with three teenage children. Sarah enjoys travelling, word puzzles, reading, keeping fit and watching sport particularly rugby and football. Sarah is serving her curacy with the parish of All Saints, Kingston upon Thames.
Woolwich Episcopal Area
The following are to be ordained Priest by the Bishop of Woolwich, The Rt Rev’d Alastair Cutting, at Good Shepherd, Lee.
Andrew (Andy) Blacknell
Andy Blacknell has spent almost all his life in south east London. He is married to Alex and they have four grown-up children. He was a management consultant for over twenty years and is the author of LEAD, 50 Models for Success in work and Life. He is an Associate of the Gregory Centre for Church Multiplication and a chaplain based in a London prison. Andy is a regular at Park Run and enjoys watching and playing most sports. Andy is serving his curacy with the parish of Herne Hill & Brixton Prison.
Christopher (Chris) Henriette
Chris Henriette was born in the Royal Borough of Greenwich in London, to Seselwa Parents from Seychelles in the Indian Ocean. Chris has lived his whole life in Lewisham Southeast London. Studying Cognitive Science at the University of Hertfordshire. Chris has had a long career working with young people and children in Southeast London who are being affected by adverse life circumstances. Chris is married and has 3 children. In his spare time, Chris trains at a Korean martial arts gym in Catford where he helps teach the youngest members of the club and is working towards his Black belt. Chris is serving his curacy with the parish of The Good Shepherd with St Peter, Lee.
Ejovwokoghene (Ivan) Ibuno
Ejovwokoghene Ivan Ibuno was born in Aldershot, Hampshire, and spent his early years there before his family moved to Bermondsey in London. Subsequently, they relocated to Nigeria where he spent his formative years. In 1990, he returned to the UK and obtained a degree in Business Information Technology. He worked in the IT industry for more than two decades, and during this period, he trained as a Lay Reader, receiving his license in 2017. Additionally, he earned a post-graduate Certificate in Health Care and Chaplaincy in 2017 while working as a Health care Chaplain with Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
Ejovwokoghene is happily married and is a father of four. He enjoys engaging in physical activities such as skipping and boxercise, and loves traveling, watching good movies, and dancing. Ivan is serving his curacy with the parish of St Phillip and St Mark, Camberwell.
Dominic (Dom) Toms
Dominic Toms is from South London, where he studied journalism at university. For more than a decade he worked as a sub-editor at a national newspaper, while serving as a lay leader in his church in the Diocese of Southwark. He lives in Deptford with his wife Alice and three young children, and enjoys running, cooking, and has a complicated relationship with his sometimes favourite and least favourite football team Tottenham Hotspur. Dom is serving his curacy with the parish of St James, Kidbrooke.
Peter Welby
Peter Welby was born in London but spent most of his childhood in the Midlands, Northwest and Northeast. After leaving school, he spent a year working for a church in Yemen, before going to university in York, where he studied Philosophy and Politics. After graduation he spent two years in Egypt; on his return in 2013, he joined and later led a small think tank researching religious extremism. Before starting his ordination training he ran a consultancy specialising in religion and politics in the Middle East and North Africa. Peter is married to Jen, a solicitor, with a young son, Simeon. In his spare time Peter enjoys woodturning. Peter is serving his curacy with the parish of St Mary Magdalen with St Olave, St John and St Luke, Bermondsey.
