The Rev’d Canon Dr Benjamin Williams,
Vicar of Barnstaple (Fr Benjamin is on the left)
Benjamin came to Devon from the Diocese of Oxford, where he was an Assistant Priest in Bicester. Prior to ordination, Benjamin studied Hebrew with Aramaic and Syriac at Oxford University and served as a College Chaplain. He subsequently taught Biblical Studies and Jewish Studies at Oxford and, as Senior Lecturer at Leo Baeck College, assisted in the training of Rabbinic ordinands. Alongside his 2016 monograph, Benjamin has authored over 15 academic papers and has spoken widely at conferences in the UK, Israel, Germany, and the USA. On an honourary basis, he now serves as a Canon Theologian at Exeter Cathedral. A keen musician, Benjamin is a singer, pianist, and concert harpist.
You can contact Fr Benjamin here.
The Rev’d Elizabeth Flaherty, Curate
Hello! I’m Elizabeth Flaherty, and I’m very much looking forward to joining you as Curate in June. I have spent the last two years training for ordained ministry at St Stephen’s House, Oxford, where I have been studying for an MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission; my academic interests are church history, particularly the medieval, and monastic. Prior to theological college, I completed a BA in Theology and Religion at the University of Oxford, as well as spending a year as a parish assistant at a St Andrew’s Church, and Keble College, Oxford. However, despite so much time spent in Oxford, I am originally from North Devon, and can’t wait to return, and to be back close to the sea once again! Outside of church and my studies, I am a lover of all things craft, and can commonly be found making lace, sewing, knitting, or crafting whatever new project I have started. I also love being outside: walking, running, rock-climbing, wild-swimming, and visiting new places; I’m a keen adventurer, so would be delighted to take suggestions of places I should visit, and things I should see! Most of all, I can’t wait to get to know you all, and become involved in the life of St Peter and St Mary Magdalene’s.
You can contact Mother Elizabeth here.
Katherine Ritchie,
Lay Leader of Evangelism and Mission
I’m Katherine and I have the pleasure of serving the church as Lay Leader of Evangelism and Mission. I am working in the parish establishing and strengthening links with local schools, charities and organisations and contributing to making the church a safe and welcoming space for everyone. I take an active part in services, as Subdeacon and occasionally preaching – that’s me as Mary in last year’s Nativity! I live with my cat Loki, and enjoy a good crime drama and spending time out and about in this beautiful part of the world.
You can contact the Leader of Evangelism and Mission here.
Catherine Hart, Churchwarden
tel: 07980 043305
You can contact the wardens here.
Jenny Macleod, Churchwarden
I’m Jenny Macleod; I just became church warden. I have been a Registered Nurse for many years; recently retired and returned, I am currently working on the Chemotherapy unit at NDH. I am on the Fundraising Committee and, with my husband, have organised the Christmas Tree Festival for the last three years. I help run the play cafe in the Pebbles Children’s Corner with Frances; my three grandsons all love playing in Pebbles and we have a great group of parents and children attending. Most Sundays, I am one the servers. One of my hobbies is baking, and I often bake and ice cakes for different members of the congregation.
You can contact the wardens here.
Annmarie Morris, Sexton
Annmarie has been taking good care of congregation members at St Peter and St Mary Magdalene for many years. She leads the charge on keeping the Church spotless – no mean feat when it’s an 800-year-old building! We take a pride in keeping the Church as a worthy place for the worship of God our Creator, and where we can offer hospitality and minister with our beloved parishioners and visitors. Thanks to Annmarie, we aspire to be The Shiniest Church in Barnstaple™️!
The Very Reverend Dr David Ison, Assistant Priest
David retired in 2022 after 43 years in full-time ministry. He was a curate in inner-city London, taught in a college there, was a vicar on a Coventry housing estate, and came to Devon in 1993 to support and train clergy in their ministry, as well as being a residentiary canon at Exeter Cathedral, which he thinks is the most beautiful in the country! He moved to inner-city Bradford Cathedral in 2005 as its Dean, to restore its ministry after a difficult time. After seven years there he was called to be Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral in London, which included helping it through the Covid crisis. He and his wife Hilary, also a priest, have four children (two in Devon) and nine grandchildren, and so travel quite a lot! They live in Georgeham, and David sometimes helps in the church there as well as assisting at Barnstaple Parish Church from time to time.
You can contact Father David here.
Emma Hewetson, Director of Music
You can contact the Director of Music here.
John McDonald, Organist
John trained at Trinity College London. He is an experienced organist and accompanist with a good reputation for choral and orchestral conducting. Before retirement from teaching he was Head of Music at West Buckland School and Ilfracombe Arts College. John has been actively involved in local music making, directing over 30 musicals and shows and playing a substantial part in the preparation of North Devon Theatres’ world première Just Remember Two Things as well as its return as Kisses on a Postcard. He enjoys giving organ recitals and has added jazz piano, often with the quintet “Smooth Company”, to his repertoire.
You can contact John McDonald here.
John Marston, Organist
John is a retired General Practitioner in Barnstaple town practice. He was Choir Master from 1976–2016 and serves as occasional organist to the present time.
You can contact John Marston here.