Simon was appointed as Priest-in-Charge of the Parish in 1996, having completed an extended curacy in the large town parish of Holy Trinity, Aylesbury.

On 2^nd December 2001, he was installed as Vicar of the Church of the Ascension at a ceremony performed by the Bishop of Willesden, the Rt Rev Pete Broadbent.

Simon grew up in Kent, and after a brief spell working for British Telecom, he went up to read English at Trinity College, Oxford. From 1986-1988 he worked as lay assistant in the inner city parish of Christ Church, Birkenhead on Merseyside, with particular involvement in youth work and evangelism, as well as opportunities to preach. He then returned to Oxford to train for the Anglican ministry at Wycliffe Hall.

Since his arrival here, Simon has gradually introduced a variety of new initiatives, seeking especially to reach out to those who do not come to church, and to offer more for families and children. Lay involvement in worship leading and other aspects of ministry has also been encouraged through teaching and training. Beyond parish work, Simon writes regularly for Scripture Union’s Closer to God Bible notes, and aims to complete a theology Ph.D in the next few years.

Simon has been married to Alison since 1988 and their son Matthew was born in 1995. For relaxation he enjoys hill-walking, climbing, and occasional winter mountaineering trips.

Simon is a member of the Christian Rock & Mountain Club (CRMC), as can be seen by the action shot below . . . .

Click here for more information on CRMC activities

Simon also has a great interest in Celtic spirituality and is the Community's representative in London and the South-East.

You can find out more about the Community of Aidan and Hilda on their website at : http://www.aidanandhilda.org.

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