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Caroline Kramer (Team Rector) |
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Steve Blevins (Parish Administrator) |
Caroline is based at St Matthew's but is the Team Rector for Tolworth, Hook & Surbiton Team Ministry. She can be contacted on email: teamrector@stmatthewskt6.org. Further details to follow.
Tel no 020 8390 5121 or admin@stmatthewskt6.org |
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Steve has a long background in public service having been a police officer for 30 years. He brings a broad range of skills to the role but is always keen to learn more. He has a strong sense of 'community' and enjoys being involved in local events and with good causes benefitting the community. He cycles long distances for pleasure and has his own charitable project supporting young people in Laos, SE Asia.
Steve is usually in the office between 9am - 1pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Tel no 020 8390 5121 or admin@stmatthewskt6.org |
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Susan Kang CPLM (Commissioned Pastoral Lay Minister) |
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Jason Edge (Director of Music) |
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Susan shares in the Pastoral ministry and is particularly involved in helping the elderly and those who are bereaved. She helps lead our Bereavement Friendly Church initiative. |
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I’ve loved church music since being a chorister in my local church (also dedicated to St Matthew!) and becoming organist there at the age of 12. I went on to study Music at Kingston University, was Organist at HM Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace, Director of Music at various churches and Director of 'RCSM Voices' (directing choirs at different UK cathedrals monthly). I’ve lived and worked in the Middle East (UAE), and am currently building an IT start-up in partnership with my brother. I’m married to Catherine with four children (three now adults living elsewhere). I enjoy many types of music and am very excited to be working at St Matthew’s - guiding our music to inspire and enhance our spiritual life and experience. |
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Rev Carolyn Lucas |
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Rev William Allberry (PTO) |
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Carolyn is a Minister across the Tolworth Hook & Surbiton Team Ministry and as such shares her ministry between the three churches. She is also a Health Visitor locally and a keen reader, cook, mother and grandmother. |
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William was the Rector in Esher before his retirement and move to our parish. He frequently takes funerals and supports in ministry both at St Matthew's and elsewhere. |
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Jason Pennington (Churchwarden) |
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Dave Hill (Churchwarden) |
Bio to follow
Please contact Jason via the Parish Office |
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Dave was appointed in April 2022. He is the proud husband of Isobel and dad of Anna. He was a solicitor for many years prior to switching to academia.
When not on holiday with the family (in the Gower) he enjoys cycling, swimming and jogging - all done at a very sedate/slow pace!
Please contact Dave via the Parish Office |
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Heather Cummins (Parish Safeguarding Officer) |
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Sue Fraser (Parish Safeguarding Officer) |
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Bio to follow |
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I joined St Matthew's Church in 2015, where I was drawn by the warm welcome we were given.
I am married to Scott and have two grownup children, one living in New Zealand and one living with us at home.
I work as a Nurse Practitioner in a GP surgery in New Malden. I am semi-retired and work two sessions a week, managing the diabetic patients.
Both Scott and I have a passion for travel and are looking forward to being able to visit our daughter in New Zealand. |
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Tim Lucas (Treasurer) |
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Lyn Taylor (PCC Secretary) |
I am married to Carolyn and have four (adult) daughters and one grandson, born during the first COVID lockdown. I qualified as an accountant in the mid ‘80s and worked in finance/investment for many years. I am now retired (and much prefer it to paid employment)! I enjoy walking, travel, eating out, going to the theatre, skiing, and spending time with the family. I have been at St Matthew’s since 2018 and prior to that worshipped at Christ Church New Malden for many years. I met and married Carolyn at a church in Bristol after I graduated from the university there.
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I am a newcomer to St Matthews and have found it to be a very warm and welcoming church. I work with adults as a social worker which I very much enjoy. I am married to Paul and have two grown up children as well as two lively Samoyed dogs who keep us busy (and entertained!). Dog walking is a big part of life in my spare time as well as reading, listening to podcasts and gardening. |
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Additional PCC members:
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Dave Farris |
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Harriet Pennington |
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I've worshipped at St. Matthew's since 2014. I'm married with grown up children and grandchildren. I love DIY, classic cars, gardening, walking, volunteering with the National Trust, music, reading and helping at a youth club integrating disabled and able bodied children. |
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I’ve been a member of St Matthews for over 25 years, married to Jason with two grown up children and a granddaughter. I’m a secondary school teacher in a local school and I love walking and reading. |
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Niluma Ponweera |
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Sue O'Hagan |
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Bio to follow |
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My first connection with St Matthew’s church was as a pupil at St Matthew’s school. Fast forward 50 years and I enjoyed watching Sunday services from the vicarage. Once we could meet in person I soon realised I’d found my spiritual home at St Matthew’s. I am married to Peter and we have a son and daughter both in their twenties. I teach the piano and enjoy my work and walking in Richmond Park or along the Thames. I’m excited to be joining the P.C.C. and look forward to serving the church and the local community.
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David Carter - Health & Safety Advisor |
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Jessica Johnson |
David Carter joined St Matthews in 2020 with his wife Mary, a retired nurse. Both were brought up in the C of E, but have attended churches of other denominations in between.
David is retired, having spent 40 years in government service, mainly dealing with various aspects of transport safety - road, rail and shipping. They have three adult children, four grandchildren and currently two dogs.
David has been a sailing instructor for nearly 60 years and currently keeps a motor-boat on the Thames. He has worked on a voluntary basis for a number of charities, either as an instructor or lecturer / fundraiser. He is the Secretary of the Coastal Forces Veterans Association (London Branch).
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I joined my chorister husband, Wes, at St. Matthew's Church 45 years ago. We, and our son, grew spiritually in relationship with God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - through active engagement in varied aspects of worship within this church family.
Now, since Wes sadly died in 2015, I'm involved with:
- PCC, including a specific brief for children, young people, and families; Choir;
Children's Groups; Beta House Group and am a St Matthew's Primary School Governor.
'Retirement' links: - Kingston University, Barnfield Riding for Disabled, 'Refugees at Home', Kingston Community Refugee Sponsorship.... along with a dog and grandchildren! |
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Keith Hudson |
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Mark Curzon |
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I have been part of St Matthew’s since 2018 after moving from Yorkshire for a career move in the banking industry. So far in my relatively short time here I have become a member of the PCC, Finance Committee, and a leader for the Climbers group (aged 5-8). In my eyes, St Matthew’s have been most inclusive and welcoming and have made me feel right at home. I am also due to get married to my fiancé Lauren in 2021 (COVID permitting of course!) My hobbies include tennis, running and gardening and I support my hometown club of Huddersfield Town. |
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Straight after completing the Alpha course at the Old Vicarage, I have been worshipping at St Matthew’s since 2010.
Volunteering in a number of areas has very much enhanced my enjoyment of church life, and of being part of our church community. Also, faith related, but outside of St Matthew’s, I have been an active Street Pastor in Kingston for several years.
My previous involvement in other areas has included being on the steering committee of a homeless charity; an overseas holiday companion to a wheelchair user; and training as a sighted guide.
I enjoy a challenge! |
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Sheena Evans |
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Mary Edwards |
My life’s journey has in one way been short: born in Epsom, now live in Surbiton. First a Methodist, then C of E. Tree-climber pursued by park keeper, then staid civil servant. There were detours to university, Hong Kong for 6 months and Wales for 7 years, but I mostly worked in London. Our three daughters grew up in the St Matthew’s family, and David was always part of it, but I only quite recently became a committed member. Now making up for lost time, I very much enjoy singing with the choir and serving on the Eco Church group.
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I have been attending St Matthews regularly after the loss of my Mother in 2009. St Matthews was my Mothers family church, and I myself was christened as a baby in St Matthews. I find St Matthews a comforting place to be.
I have lived most of my life in the Surbiton area except for some of my childhood when my parents moved to East Sussex. I am on various rota’s in the church and enjoy being part of the flower arranging team. I have two children, my son Ellis who often helps operate the 9am service vmix, and my daughter Ruby who attends church regularly with myself and her brother.
We sadly lost their Dad to lung cancer in 2018, and obviously the loss has been tough, but I couldn’t be prouder of how they have both coped without having their father in their life.
I had numerous jobs when I was younger, but finally I became a registered nurse. I left nursing to care for both of my parents. I now work part time as a teaching assistant with special needs children which is very rewarding |
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Heinrich Alphons |
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Wendy Richmond |
Bio to follow
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I started coming to St Matthew's after both my godchildren were christened in the church in 2016. I found the church community so welcoming and kind that I kept coming back. I was encouraged to join the next Alpha course and this help clarify my faith, leading me to my Confirmation in Southwark Cathedral in 2019.
In my own time, what I really love doing is anything creative, arty and crafty, especially learning new skills; my latest fads being calligraphy, origami, and coiled rope weaving … but next month it might be something else, as the real joy comes from learning and them teaching others if I can. This comes in very handy as both Learning and Development manager in the Civil Service and a Junior church leader. |