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Phil will come to us from Surrey, where he is currently the Vicar of Reigate Parish Church. He is married to Sue who is a GP and they have three adult sons, Tom, Dan and Josh. Phil will start his role in March 2017 and is looking forward to getting started. He said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Diocese of Gloucester at this exciting time in its journey, with the new vision, LIFE, taking shape across the Diocese. Jesus’ promise in John Chapter 10 of ‘life in all its fullness’ is one that has always been significant in my own journey of faith. “I look forward to working with churches and individuals to see this offer of Jesus become even more widely understood and received across the towns and villages in the Diocese. I am particularly looking forward to getting to know and working with the churches of the Cheltenham Archdeaconry, in all their diversity, as we seek to focus around the mission and ministry priorities within the vision statement.” Bishop Rachel is hugely excited by this appointment. She said: “I am delighted that Phil has accepted my invitation to be the next Archdeacon of Cheltenham. He will bring valuable gifts and experience to this role and a fresh perspective for how we share the transforming Gospel of Jesus Christ in our worshipping communities. I am greatly looking forward to working alongside him.” Phil was born in Kenya, but returned to England to attend secondary school. He studied Mechanical Engineering at Nottingham University, which was followed by 16 years mainly working as a Chartered Engineer in the UK water industry, before he was ordained in 2002. In his spare time Phil tells us: “I have the travel bug and enjoy travelling and exploring different cultures, especially when combined with walking and trekking. I enjoy a variety of sports, though increasingly from the armchair or terraces! I enjoy running on a regular basis and have recently taken up cycling. “I am a (fair weather) supporter of Nottingham Forest and still remember their glory days when I was at University in Nottingham. I am a real ale fan and look forward to sampling Gloucestershire’s finest ales!” Phil will be licensed and installed as Archdeacon at a service in Gloucester Cathedral on Saturday 11 March, to which all are welcome. |
Bishop Rachel has today announced the appointment of the new Archdeacon of Cheltenham, the Revd Canon Phil Andrew.
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