Rev Clive Watts
Priest in Charge
Rev Clive Watts Rev’d Clive became Priest in Charge of the Barrow and Wolds Group of Churches in July 2019. He has previously served in the Wigston Benefice and the Borough Hill Benefice and spent many years involved in the life and ministry of Leicester Cathedral. Before ordination Clive spent 25 years as a nurse, working as a specialist practitioner. Rev’d Clive has particular areas of interest in worship and liturgy, fostering Lay Vocations and the Church’s ministry to the marginalised in society. He lives with his civil partner, David, and their black labrador, Kasper. When not working Clive enjoys spending time in their Northumberland cottage, going to the theatre and cinema, gardening and meals out.
Reverend Fiona Cotton-Betteridge
Associate Priest
Rev’d Fiona is the Associate Priest in the Barrow and Wolds Group having joined the team in July 2020 and lives in the Wymeswold Vicarage. Fiona has previously ministered in a Cluster of Coastal Parishes on the Fen land between Boston and Skegness, where she was Priest-in-Charge of Friskney, Old Leake and Wrangle. Before that role, Fiona was Curate in Burton Joyce on the edge of Nottingham.
Rev’d Fiona’s career before ordination was in the Civil Service. She is married to Bryn and they have three grown up children. Their son David and his wife Kari and their children live with them in the Vicarage. Fiona very much enjoys collaborative ministry, discovering the gifts for ministry in others and working with small study groups to develop and deepen faith.
Simon Richardson
Priest
Rev’d Simon is retired and has permission to officiate from the Bishop of Leicester. He was ordained Deacon in 1999 and Priest in 2000. Revd Simon has served in Market Harborough, has been Chaplain to All Saints with Holy Trinity, Loughborough and to Loughborough University and Colleges, has held permission to officiate in the Diocese of Europe and was Associate Priest in the Barrow and Wolds Group until 2016. Revd Simon had a parallel academic career at Loughborough University. Rev’d Simon has interests in liturgy and pastoral care, the theology of the Eastern Orthodox Church and is an enthusiast for ‘all member ministry’. Rev’d Simon and Claire live in East Leake with their dog Buttons
Rex Shaw
Reader Minister
Rex has been a Reader since 2013, serving the Barrow and Wolds Group of Churches. Rex lives in Wymeswold with his wife Felicity and their daughter Rachel. He leads the Bible Fellowship Group in Wymeswold and is part of the team that produces the Christian Link Magazine. Rex is an avid reader of theology. When he is not preaching or assisting with worship, he enjoys practicing and teaching yoga. He loves walking with his family and friends, especially when the walk takes in a real ale pub.
Pam Knowles
Reader Minister and Funeral Minister
Pam Knowles grew up in Devonshire, and moved to Barrow with her husband and children over 50 years ago. Over the years, Pam has held a number of posts within the church but at present is a Licensed Reader Minister and Funeral Minister for the group of churches, and the Focal Minister for Walton le Wolds. She now lives alone with her rescue dog Lottie for company. When not involved in church activities, Pam enjoys gardening, reading, beading and visiting her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
David Spencer
Reader Minister
David Spencer Reader Minister David volunteers as a Reader Minister in the Barrow and Wolds Group, assisting with services and visiting some of those unable to attend church and supporting Home Communions. Prior to this David served as a pastoral Assistant for a number of years, along with other roles in the Church of England. David was Deputy Head Verger at Leicester Cathedral for many years before moving to work in the prison service, he has a particular interest in prison ministry and care of ex-offenders. David is a Third Order Franciscan, and enjoys time in quiet reflection and contemplative prayer. David enjoys spending time with Rev Clive at their holiday home in Northumberland and going for long walks on the North East coast with their black labrador Kasper.
Mike Hyde
Reader Minister
Mike Hyde Reader Minister Mike and Ruth have lived in Wymeswold for 30 plus years and Mike has felt called to share the good news of Jesus and encourage people in their faith walk as well as offer pastoral support as a lay reader minister. Mike had a career in the logistics and distribution industry before retiring. Mike and Ruth host and lead a Wymeswold house group which has a focus on prayer for each other, friends, our village community as well as wider global issues and needs. He enjoys baking particularly bread whilst listening to Led Zeppelin!
Reverend David Stoter
Priest
Rev'd David has been a Priest since 1968 with over 30 years in Hospital Chaplaincy work, alongside roles at Priest in Charge and Rector at various churches. He also established the first bereavement centre in the NHS. He joined the Barrow and Wolds Group of Churches in 2022. He is a respected writer and contributor in the spiritual and healthcare fields. In his spare time David is a keen sports fan and cricket umpire. He also enjoys classical music, reading and walking.
Bob Edge
Ordinand
Bob was brought up in Scotland but settled in Leicestershire just over thirty years ago. He lives in Loughborough with his wife, Ange, and their cat, Alan. Bob works for the County Council as a part time Approved Mental Health Professional and is a student at St Mellitus College, studying for a Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission. Bob enjoys silent and contemplative prayer and runs a weekly online Julian Meeting. When not otherwise engaged he plays guitar in a ceilidh band and plays the fiddle and tenor banjo for morris dancers. He has two grown up children (twins), Jack and Lucy, who live in London and Bristol respectively.