Meet the Team

Lee Davies, Vicar

My name is Lee, I’m married to Emily and we have 4 children. I am passionate about Jesus and love seeing what he does in and through people as they discover the calling of God in their lives. We have been in Hythe Since January 2022 and love living and worshiping here. We would love to welcome you to our church family, and see what gifts you might bring to the body of Christ in this place. You can contact Lee by emailing vicar@stjohnshythe.org

Susan Blomley, Licensed Lay Minister

A born and bred Anglican, I am also a retired language teacher and have lived in Hythe since 1988.  I am married with 4 sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  We lived in France for 18 years following retirement, and it was there that I finally listened to my calling and was licenced as a LLM in 2012.  Since our return to the UK in 2015 I have been very involved with leading worship, preaching and all aspects of parish matters.

Chris McMahon, Children's and Families Pastor

Hi, I have worked here as the Children’s and Families Pastor since August 2016, having previously worked as a Family Support Worker within Children’s Services. I have 3 grown up children and remarried in 2019 gaining a new husband and stepson. It is lovely being a part of and working with such a warm and caring fellowship. I feel truly blessed. You can contact Chris by emailing families@stjohnshythe.org

Jane Barnicoat-Chongwe, Licensed Lay Minister

I am a retired Mental Health Nurse, married to Reuben and living in Dibden. We have two grown up children, living away from home. I have been a Mothers' Union member for over 25 years. I was Licensed as a Lay Minister in 2020, serving in the Lyndhurst Deanery, at St. John's Marchwood and Hythe and recently licensed as a Deputy Warden of Lay Ministry. I am also a Diocesan and Deanery Synod member and a member of the Inclusive Church Network. I advocate for racial justice and inclusivity for all. 

Edgar Ruddock, Retired Priest

I’m a retired Anglican Priest, having spent half my ministry in parishes in the UK, and the other half, first living in, and working for, the Anglican Church in Southern Africa; then later working on leadership, health and development programmes in many countries through an international Church Agency. I’m married to Annette, we have three children and five grandchildren. In retirement I help in the parish, am learning the Saxophone, and volunteer with National Coastwatch. 

Martin Deadman, Church Warden

I have lived in Hythe since 2015, where I own a guesthouse together with my wife and a local bookkeeping practice, in addition to being the director of a Christian Bookshop in West London where I previously lived.
My experience in church has been varied over many years and always enjoy getting involved in leading sung worship together with my wife.

Craig Fowkes, Church Warden

I am a member of St Johns in Hythe. My life has taken a complete change since I was called. I was confirmed at St Johns and since then I have completed a BCM in pioneering and have also taken up the position of PCC secretary and now Church Warden. I am excited for what the future will bring and extremely grateful for all of our brothers and sisters who are helping me along this journey.

Carol Moody, Pro Warden

I moved to Hythe in 1995 and was married at St. John's in 1997. Although now retired, my professional career was mainly centred around Finance Administration at the University of Southampton. Previously within the church I have covered treasurer, internal audit, accounts assistant and now Pro Warden. I have always mixed business with pleasure and enjoy drama, walking, campervanning, most sports including skiing, swimming and of course supporting the local football team.

Serena Merritt, Trainee Ordinand

Hi! My name is Serena Merritt. I am a trainee ordinand, which is the posh way of saying I am training to be a vicar in the Church of England. I am delighted to be serving my 2-year placement in the parish of Hythe. 

I am married to Ed, and we both live in Dibden. I love music, singing, dancing, and chai lattes! 

Please say hello if you see me around, as meeting new people is one of my favourite things.

 Hannah Rowlandson, Parish Administrator

I’m Hannah Rowlandson, I’ve worked for the parish for the last eight years and really enjoy the varied nature of my role. Do get in touch if you have questions about any aspect of life in our parish. You can contact Hannah by emailing office@stjohnshythe.org