Jennifer Thomas

BA (Hons), PGCE     

Youth Leader 

The oldest of three sisters, I have a deep love and affection for the countryside inspired by being brought up "miles from anywhere!", firstly in the Ashdown Forest and then, from the age of 6, in rural South West Wales. My father was a dairy farmer, renowned for his prizewinning Jersey cows, and is still sought-after for his skills in sheepdog training. My mother was born in India, came to school in England and emigrated with the family to Western Canada in 1947 - no lack of holiday destinations for us!

My grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather were all Anglican clergymen, and now my husband, Hugh, has vestments belonging to them. During my childhood we went to church, Sunday School and associated activities only when farm life allowed; I went more often from the age of 15 when my bike and I could cope with the hills of Carmarthenshire.

I particularly went to our town parish church where I had learnt to ring the bells (inspired by the prospect of learning a new skill for a Girl Guide badge) and rang for Evensong and then stayed for the service. Cycling through the countryside, church bell ringing and music (I sang in our school choirs and played flute in town and district orchestras - where I met Hugh) have remained very dear to my heart and contributed enormously to my Christian life. I became a Christian aged 15 and have been very involved in many aspects of church life since then.

I studied French and German at university in London, spending 80% of the holidays as an au-pair in France and polished up my German during a year as an Assistant in a secondary school in Wiesbaden. I had always wanted to teach and did my PGCE in Canterbury, and then taught in secondary schools in Enfield, Chatham and Biggin Hill before becoming a full-time parent.

My teaching is now directed towards Sunday School and Tots Praise, as well as other church youth activities and bell ringing in the local area, but this is the field of life which fulfils me most and I enjoy the wonderful response we get from our younger members. It is a huge privilege to be part of nurturing our youngsters in their Christian life.