One morning in my late 20s I received a phone call from my vicar. He ex-plained that he was the Returning Officer for the Willesden Area Synod and on closing day was distinctly short of nominations. Within an hour I had been ‘elected’ unopposed. He somehow didn’t mention that agreeing to ‘two meetings a year’ also involved Deanery Synod (4 times a year) and PCC once a month! And so began my career in church governance, which continued seamlessly when we moved back to rural Kent in 1984. Since then – no doubt like most readers of this magazine - I have found it very hard to say ‘No’ to the many fascinating opportunities which have come my way: nearly 30 years on a succession of church synods and committees; Lay Member of Canterbury Cathedral Chapter; member of the Revision Committee for the Women Bishops legislation – and then the Code of Practice Working Group; Chair of the Canterbury Diocesan Licensed Ministries Framework; Churchwarden - to list but some. I think my instinct is always to try to get people to work together in ways which they find affirming and exciting – and which get things done!

I now find myself in a period of transition. In Canterbury we have just agreed that no-one should serve in any one position for more than 6 years. I have therefore decided that the time has come to hand on the baton in most of my synodical roles. I have already resigned as Churchwarden – 6 months before my 6 years are up. Various other roles have to go, and I won’t stand again for General Synod in 2015: 20 years will be QUITE enough! So what next? God seems to be calling me to become much more involved in various non Church-based community activities, most particularly a lunch club with a largely elderly and disadvantaged membership. There I encounter many people who are most unlikely ever to come to church, but who are very open to conversation about my faith and my life, and who increasingly trust me to mediate with others on their behalf.
I am incredibly lucky to worship in a lively village church with lots of children and young people, a magnificent robed choir AND a first rate worship band, supportive colleagues from across the spectrum of the C of E and an excel-lent standard of preaching. And most importantly of all I find, the opportunity to meet together each day for Morning Prayer: a really nourishing mixture of the daily Office, discussion about the Scripture reading and extemporary prayer. This is the foundation which is enabling me to move into my new ministry. I would not be honest however if I didn’t admit that it’s hard to lay down the reins of the churchy stuff which has absorbed me 100% for so long.