St Andrew's Church
Chedworth

Introducing Stephen Goundrey-Smith

Hello Everybody!
I’m Stephen Goundrey-Smith and I’m looking forward to beginning my ministry among you as Priest-in-Charge of Chedworth, Yanworth with Stowell and Coln St. Denys with Coln Rogers.

I grew up in Banbury, Oxfordshire and, after qualifying as a pharmacist and working as a hospital pharmacist, and in the international pharmaceutical industry, I trained for ordination at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. Since my ordination 11 years ago, I have served in Parishes in Norfolk and Northamptonshire. For the last few years I have combined my ministry with running a business in pharmaceutical industry marketing, medical writing and pharmacy IT.

I love country life and many of my hobbies – cycling, walking, running and gardening – involve enjoying the outdoors. But I also enjoy reading, real ale, playing snooker and bar billiards.

I also enjoy time with my sons, Edward (9) and Archie (7), who will be visiting Chedworth on a regular basis. We look forward to meeting you in the villages soon.

I first visited Chedworth on a Good Friday in 1980, when I was 13 and on an epic cycle ride round the Cotswolds. Little did I know that I would be coming there to be the vicar 30 years later!

I am excited about my new ministry in the Hill & Valley villages. In my previous parishes, I have been closely involved with ministry to young families and schools, helping everyone to take an active role in church life and encouraging people to become leaders in the church. As well as regular services, I have pioneered a range of special events and services to bring God’s message of love in Jesus Christ to as many people as possible. I have an interest in music and the use of new media in worship.

I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible in the next few months and to hear about your lives and your hopes for the life of the church here in the Hill & Valley Parishes.

Stephen.