The Revd. Alice Watson, Vicar
Alice grew up in Somerset, across the levels and Glastonbury has long been a place of spiritual inspiration for her. She loves nature, pilgrimage, and history, and so being able to serve in places which have these in abundance is such a joyful prospect. Her family comprises her husband, Tom, two school-age children, and their dog, Pippa.
Before moving here, Alice was Chaplain at Queen’s College in Oxford, serving her curacy in Kettering, Northamptonshire.
Outside of church Alice enjoys reading, cooking, learning new crafts, and walking, she is also very slowly writing her PhD which is on birth trauma, theology, and how the church can help people through those experiences.
Alice is looking forward to getting to know people, worshiping together, sharing stories and cups of tea, and, with the help of God, serving our churches and communities as best she can. Do say hello when you see her around and she will try to learn names as quickly as she can!
PTO to Glastonbury –
The Revd. Pamela Heazell
Pamela arrived in Glastonbury in June 2017 semi-retired along with her husband Gareth. Having served her title as Curate and Vicar in suburban multicultural parishes in the Diocese of London for the best part of 17 years, moving to Glastonbury was a whole new adventure for them both.
Glastonbury Abbey was a familiar port of call for Pamela, having brought parishioners out of London on Retreat for quite a few years. Hence she visited St. John’s Church regularly before having moved here permanently. She feels very much at home in this richly diverse and friendly community. Being invited to offer her gifts of ministry alongside a very welcoming and gifted staff team, within the three churches in the Benefice, is a blessing to her. She hopes to be of service as and when required.
Gareth and Pamela have 4 grown up children and 8 grandchildren who bring to the family, two dogs; Kimi and Luna.
Organist & Director of Music –
Mr. Matthew Redman
Matthew came to St John’s in September 2017. Having taught in schools for more than 20 years, he is now a freelance organist and pianist. He plays regularly for the Wells Cathedral Voluntary Choir and is in demand for accompanying at concerts and exams.
He has directed choirs in Westminster, Bristol and Wells Cathedrals; conducting Bach’s St John Passion remains a highlight in his career. Matthew has been a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists since 1995 and has given recitals in many of the UK’s finest cathedrals and abbeys.
His interests include architecture, cooking and jazz. He lives with his wife Andrea and their busy family.
Benefice Administrator & Secretary to the Vicar –
Mrs. Sharon Wilson
Sharon joined the Benefice in 2005 and, as well being the Administrator for St John’s Church & St Benedict’s Church, Glastonbury with St Mary’s Church in Meare, she is also Secretary to the Vicar.
Sharon lives in Glastonbury with her husband Mark, their daughter Ella-Mai also lives locally and son Louis, is currently living and working in Melbourne, Australia. She enjoys reading (fiction & non-fiction), has a particular interest in true crime, likes watching darts (can’t play for toffee!), loves listening to (any) music, and plays for a local Skittles team.
Reader – Mrs. Philippa Chapman
Philippa was born in Bristol and spent the first part of her childhood in Llandaff attending the Cathedral where she learned about many of the Celtic saints of these lands. Philippa is married to David and they have lived in Glastonbury since 1984. Glastonbury reintroduced Philippa to the Celtic Saints of her childhood. Philippa and David have two adult children, Rachel and James. Philippa is a semi-pro lyric mezzo soprano.
Philippa was Licensed as a Reader in October 2016.
Reader – Mrs. Di Grenter
Di has three adult children. She trained to be a teacher but has spent most of her working life in retail. Di has always had a strong faith and hopes that as a Reader she can channel this through to others either by her actions, or by talking to them.
Di was Licensed as a Reader on 5th October 2013.