Canon Mark Standen
I'm married to Susan, and we have two young children, Lucy (aged 12) and William (aged 8), who both attend the local primary school.
Before ordination, I was a barrister specialising in family law, but decided I would prefer to spend my time helping people to find life through Jesus rather than pursuing a legal career. Fortunately, the Church of England agreed and I was ordained in 1995, serving initially in Sevenoaks and then, since 1999, in Angmering where I have been very happy.
I enjoy spending my time with family and friends, and love the country of France, where we are lucky enough to have our family holidays. I enjoy visits to the gym, except after family holidays!!
Revd Ben Redding
I was brought up in Sevenoaks and went on to study veterinary medicine and biomedical science in London. I worked for 7 years as a biology teacher and for 2 years as a parish assistant at St Thomas’s, Oakwood. I then spent 3 years training for ministry at Oak Hill College in London.
My ministry in Angmering started at the Parish Church but for the last three years I have been the leader of St Margaret’s Community Church (SMCC). I am married to Cherry and we have four girls. We all enjoy being outside and I enjoy running and cycling.
Revd Andy Thomas
Andy has been the curate at St Margaret’s since July 2009. Before that he was studying at Oak Hill Theological College in London. Having left London he now travels above ground and is enjoying the Sussex scenery.
Chris Harris
A Guernseyman by birth, I moved to this side of the water in 1981 to go to Moorlands Bible College, where I studied for 3 years. I’m married to Deni and we have two sons. We moved to West Sussex in 1997 having lived in Bournemouth for 14 years. We head up the team that leads the monthly all age praise parties known as “Wake Up Shake Up”.
I’m employed as the Office Manager at St Margaret’s and when I’m not in the Office I enjoy watching sport, playing cricket and describe myself as an aviation enthusiast. Some would say “anorak!”
Lesley Dainton
I grew up in Bournemouth where I went to school and college for secretarial training. I spent 4 years working for Billy Graham Crusades in London, New York and Berlin before marrying Derek and settling in Berkshire. We have two sons who have now flown the nest.
We moved to West Sussex in 1995 and, after retiring from the NHS, where I worked as a PA for several years, I was asked to take on the role of Parish Secretary at St Margaret’s in March 2009 at the exciting time of returning to the reordered church.
Andrew Forbes
I am married to Sarah and we have a daughter and two sons who have all grown up in Angmering; we joined St Margaret’s in 1990 and moved to the village in 1991.
I work as a product designer for a small consultancy in Fittleworth on the other side of The Downs. My principal passion is my faith in the God of Grace, I also enjoy sailing our Drascombe, exploring the British countryside, music and things mechanical.
Shelagh Downing
I am married to Keir and we have three sons, two daughters-in-law, and five grandchildren so far! I attended nine schools in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland and met Keir when we both taught in Brighton.
Together we have lived in Peckham, Sudan, East Ham, Tunbridge Wells, Hove, Rwanda and now, this lovely area of West Sussex.
The important components of my life are faith, family, music, hospitality and a so called ‘quirky’ sense of humour. The headlines of my father’s obituary read ‘served with a happy spirit’ and ‘walked in divine company’. I’d be happy with that!
