Bishop appoints former barrister as chaplain

Gavin has spent much of his life living in the Diocese of Winchester, growing up in Bournemouth and working at various times in Southampton and Hampshire. His wife, Hazel, grew up in north Hampshire.

They have two sons, James (4) and Alex (2). After studying law at Oxford Gavin spent several years working as a barrister, including at the Court of Appeal in London and as a Crown Prosecutor in Dorset. With a strong sense that his time as a lawyer had developed gifts and skills that would be valuable in ministry, Gavin returned to Wycliffe Hall in Oxford to train for ordination.

For the last three years Gavin has been serving as a curate in Weymouth, helping to prepare the churches to share the good news about Jesus during the Olympic period. He has also been studying part time for a masters degree in Canon Law which he believes can be a positive force in the church, bringing Godly order to its structures and enabling innovative and Spirit-led mission.

"Awe-inspiring"

Gavin said, “It is awe inspiring to see how the Holy Spirit is continually using my past experiences to prepare and equip me for new challenges. The whole family is looking forward to moving to Winchester to start this exciting new chapter in our journey with God.

"I am particularly looking forward to supporting Bishop Tim as he leads the Diocese into its own new chapter.”

The Bishop of Winchester said: "I am looking forward enormously to Gavin joining the team at Wolvesey, and the opportunities to draw on his expertise, and the fresh perspective he will bring.