I joined OSG because I felt it was the group most truly representing the breadth of the Church of England – a broad church open to all. I am one of the lay representatives from Guildford Diocese, serving my second five years on General Synod. I attend an inclusive church with a broad range of churchmanship serving a large village of 3000 on the Surrey/West Sussex borders. Within the village (Chiddingfold) the three churches, Anglican, Roman Catholic and Baptist, work closely together. Within the Diocese I am on Bishop’s Council and the Diocesan Board of Education. I am also one of the GS representatives on the Rural Affairs Group, which I joined earlier this year, which I have found very interesting although it has been a steep learning curve! I have already learnt a great deal about the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and other EU affairs. It was not something I envisaged myself doing but I am very glad I was invited to be involved.

Serving on the OSG Committee has also been a privilege and, as with joining OSG, has helped to make me feel a real part of GS, as has singing in the GS choir when it operates – it is another place where members of different churchmanship can join comfortably together.

By profession I am a self-employed music teacher, teaching the recorder to Grade 8 in 3 schools in the Guildford area, working with adult groups, and writing and arranging music.