The Upper Itchen Benefice

Ministry Team

The Ministry team and the Benefice is led by our Rector, the Revd Dr Alexandra Clarke. Alexandra (pictured left with Bishop MIchael) and her husband Chris, and sons Theo and Oliver, were enthusiastically welcomed to our Benefice in September 2009.

Our two experienced Readers (pictured right) are Bruce Newson and Debbie Thompson, and they continue to help lead worship, house groups and courses. They are also available and keen to help or answer questions, but if you have administrative or parish church related enquiries then please contact either the Benefice Secretary (see below) or one of the two Churchwardens in each particular parish.

The Parish Visitors team - The Parish Visitors team offers friendship and support on behalf of the local churches. We are happy to visit people at home or in hospital. We are always keen to welcome newcomers to the benefice and can offer advice about most church related issues. Please don’t hesitate to contact one of us if you need our help or if you know someone else who might. Equally, please Julian know if you would be interested in becoming a Parish Visitor. The job is what you make it - there is no fixed level of commitment. Training will be provided. All Parish Visitors attended the Lay Pastors' course organised by the Alresford Deanery. Please contact the co-ordinator Julian Hartwell (tel: 771273) for further information, or see the Who's Who section for the full team of Parish Visitors with contact details.

Our Ordinand, Alex Pease, is also our Wedding Administrator. If you are interested in holding your wedding in the Upper Itchen Benefice please call Alex in the first instance on: 01962 793063 or contact him by email alex@manorfarmkilmeston.com.

We are also lucky to have our part time Benefice Secretary, Margaret Pickthorne (herself a Reader in a different Benefice). Margaret can be contacted by email, phone or at the Rectory on Tuesday and Thursday mornings each week.