St. John’s Church Hildenborough

A Worshipping Community, Serving the Community


Who's Who

 

Reverend John Chandler  
Vicar

I was ordained in 1994 and was a curate at St. Stephen’s, Tonbridge and then vicar in two rural parishes in Essex before becoming vicar at St. John’s in 2005. I am married to Mary with two grown up children and three young grand-children! I enjoy music and on days off being with friends and family and being beside the sea. I long to see us realize all of God’s wonderful purposes for us.

 

 

Reverend Liz Toy
Clergy

With a background in publishing followed by Local Authority Social Work I was ordained deacon in 1988 (priested with other women in 1994), to serve as a non-stipendary minister in this parish.  Besides my parish involvement here I enjoy people coming to see me, to talk about their lives/Christian faith.  I love the countryside, walking and spending time on Iona in the Inner Hebrides.

 

 

Reverend Simon Braid
Clergy

I was ordained in 2009 after over thirty years with one of the big accountancy practices. As I work part time at St. John's, you might see me on the train to London from time to time as I do some freelance consultancy. I grew up in Sevenoaks where I became a Christian and met my wife (Susie). We live in Penshurst and have three children in their twenties. We enjoy the outdoors, gardening and playing tennis as well as swimming, socialising, the theatre and cinema. I am passionate about communicating the gospel in new ways and in finding Jesus at work in the community.

 

Gill Hayward 
Lay Reader

I am a Reader at St John's Church and am also a member of the Church Band. I also work as a Music Teacher and enjoy writing music.

 

 

 

 

 

 Ruth Crouch 
Lay Reader

I have lived in Hildenborough for the last thirty-eight years. I am wife to Laurie and mother to three married children, two sons and a daughter. Laurie and I delight in our seven grandchildren.  I was licensed as a Reader in 1998 and over the course of my life I have worked with children in Sunday Schools and kids clubs, women’s groups, the church’s healing ministry and led Bible study groups and home groups.  I now lead Wednesday Focus a monthly group for women, and also a weekly home group.  I am committed to the ministry among women, and the study of the Bible.

 

 

Jane Withers
Lay Reader

I was licensed as a Reader in October 2011.  I am now retired having commuted to London to work in BT Headquarters Licensing Department, where I specialized in fair trading issues.  Originally from a village in Somerset, I enjoy being part of a village church.  I love Bible study and enjoy teaching all ages about God’s Word  -  especially when the Lord speaks to others from scripture.  My interests are gardening, swimming and painting.

 

 

 Chris Mileham
Church Warden

I am an accountant with a tour operator specialising in working holidays and based in London. Despite being a commuter, I do actually enjoy travel although with a preference for steam over electric trains! I have lived in Hildenborough for six years, although my connection with the village stretches back to the early 1970s when I moved here with my parents. I have enjoyed my involvement with St John's church over this period. I have a particular concern for ministry among adults with learning difficulties and am part of the leadership team of the local Causeway group, which meets at Tonbridge Baptist Church.

 

Carole Walters 
Church Warden

I have been a Churchwarden now for 2 years. It can be quite challenging but also very interesting getting to know how “the behind the scenes stuff” works. I have lived in Hildenborough for 35 years and have three children and grandchildren. My “other” job is the sub-Postmistress in the Weald village where I have worked for the past 12 and half years.

 

 
Susan Harrowing
Pastoral Co-ordinator

I have recently taken over co-ordinating a team of Pastoral visitors. I have lived in Hildenborough with my husband and two, now grown-up, sons since 1991. You may see me from time to time working behind the counter in the One-Stop or as an usherette at the Angel Centre. My interests are sewing, walking, films, theatre, cooking and overseas travel.
 
 
 

 

David Wood
Treasurer

I am a retired Director and Company Secretary of J.Rothschild Capital Management and enjoy a busy life involving currently, three grandchildren, gardening, community work, going to the gym and being a trustee of my former employers pension scheme. I am the Treasurer for the Church and Hall and am also on the Churchyard and Church Hall committees.

 

 

 

Cynthia Fawcus
Church Administrator

My responsibilities also include Church Centre Bookings, heading up the Prayer Chain with prayers daily, and leading the Sparklers group for 5-6 year olds. I have lived in Hildenborough for 22 years and have been part of St. John's Church family for about 21 years. I have two sons Philip 29 and James 20.  I have been helping with the administration side to the Church for 15 years and enjoy all that that involves. I enjoy singing with the TCAG choir and have travelled with them to Israel.  I enjoy cycling, going to the gym, gardening, the theatre and having holidays in the sun.