meet the staff
chris halls
I moved to Southampton with my wife Jan in 2005 to be Associate Minister, having worked previously in Northern Ireland, Exeter, Nairobi, Niagara Falls and Vancouver.
For relaxing I love being near the sea; a long run along the beach on a sunny day can’t be bettered, or walking on a coastal path with Jan. Visiting our children –and grandchildren– in Canada is also an important event on my calendar.
Wishes: that I was better at languages, and able to play a musical instrument. Comfort food: crystalised ginger. Secret vice: doodling in meetings.
frances tyson
For many years I lived in Argentina as an agriculturalist for TEAR Fund alongside Peter, my late husband. Since returning to England I have worked as a teacher and am now ordained. Among other things at Highfield I enjoy meeting those who want their children baptised, helping with Tiddlywinks and leading Tea Club.
Favourite occupations: grandchildren and gardening!
erica roberts
Hiya! I’m Erica. Life has been full of surprises and wonderful opportunities and I still find it hard to believe that I've had the amazing privilege to have had two incredible careers –first as a Paediatrician and now as part-time curate for Highfield –not as different as you might imagine! I have lived in Highfield for 14 years.
Loves: spending time with family and friends, a good book and Old Quay on St Martin’s; Vices: chocolate of course, another good book with a glass of red wine. Oh and playing the violin badly!
sammy jordan
Hiya! I’m married to Shaun and have 2 children, Emily and Ben. I’m from Manchester (yes I support the reds) but moved to Southampton after uni. to work for Highfield as an intern; and never left. I became a teacher and then a teacher trainer then returned to work in 2009 as Children and Families Pastor, and I love it!
Favourite things: Pancakes, dark chocolate, pink, polka dots.... especially on bags and stationery, relaxing with neighbours over a cup of tea (the TV programme – but the next door type are great too).
Happiest when.... I’m having fun with my family or pottering in the garden.
Guilty pleasure... Ok, I admit I really do have 3 wardrobes
Did I say I liked polka dots?
helen thompson
Hello! I’m Helen and I support the Children and Families work at Highfield. I am married to Lee and we have 2 small children. I am loving working with the children and families and providing and supporting events for them to come and enjoy.
Favourite things – coffee and cake is top of the list followed by spicy food ( of any variety). I love spending time with my family, particularly summer seaside trips and I am slowly getting used to camping at New Wine. To relax I love reading (shamefully like romantic comedy films) and shopping – well I am a girl…
helen millward
Hello, my name is Helen and I’m heading up the Youth work. I have been working with young people for more years than I care to admit, but previous to this was working for six years with youth in a church in Derby – mentoring youth, organising camps, residentials, clubs… and I love it.
Favourite things: pancakes, roast dinners, homemade cakes. Most unusual food eaten: Cow’s tongue in Estonia – not nicely sliced but an actual tongue. Favourite time of the year: Christmas – family and friends, great food, fairy lights galore, carols and celebrating Jesus being born – what more could I ask for! Ambition: to own a VW Camper Van and a Mini and a glorious hunk of a Christian bloke to sit in the passenger seat! Scariest thing that has happened: trying to remove a tarantula from a friend’s back when living in Burundi.
will fairbairn
Hey, I'm Will and I'm originally from Bristol. I studied Maths at uni. in Cardiff; then, after a year on a leadership training course at Soul Survivor Watford church, moved down to Southampton to be the student pastor.
Favourite food: Lasagne; or a BBQ is a winner every time. Weirdest Thing I’ve eaten: Stuffing on its own, for lunch. What can you do when the fridge is bare and there’s a storm outside? Favourite hobby: Rugby; I also love music. Favourite Place: anywhere outdoors, but the best has to be the beach. Most embarrassing moment: too many; some might say my life is a string of them!
kelly worthington
Hobbies... playing netball, squash, tennis and swimming (reluctantly)
Favourite food... chocolate, Galaxy or Dairy Milk, but definitely not expensive Thornton’s!
Biggest regret... Getting injured so often playing ladies football as a teenager. Oh how I miss footy!
Favourite item of clothing... Quicksilver hoodie
Favourite thing to do on my day off... Wining and dining with friends in the sunshine or in the winter months with a game of Settlers
Places I've visited... Canada, Fiji, New Zealand, Eastern Australia, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Kenya, England and Wales (all in 11 weeks!)
neil hopkins
jeannie thistle
maureen marshall
Hi, I was born in Bangladesh, came to UK in 1971 and have lived most of my life in Portswood/Highfield area.
My Job: My main task is to compile all the 3 services for Sunday worship, the News Sheet/s and the Rolling Notices. My motto, ‘I love it when a plan comes together’.
Highlights: Riding an elephant bare-back at the age of 7, paragliding off a back of a speed boat in Cyprus (200 mtrs high) and passing my CBT in 2011, (now the proud owner of a Yamaha 125 Custom.)
Favourite Things: Love to cook for family and friends, reading, swimming, walking, listening to music, and when weather permits, riding my motorbike.
jo ladkin
I came to Southampton as a student, married Paul and stayed. I became a Christian while at uni. here and have been working in the Church Office on and off since 1984. I also co-ordinate our weddings here.
Favourite things: reading voraciously, spending time with Paul and enjoying our three children who now rarely seem to be in the same place at the same time! Current ambition: to walk round The Lizard, Cornwall - in bite-sized chunks.
charlotte deveson
Hi, I’m Charlotte and one of the interns at Highfield this year. I have been in Southampton for the last three years whilst studying Psychology at University. I really enjoyed my course, learning all things people-ey!
As an intern I am pretty much involved in all areas of Church life and ministry – childrens and youth work, student work, Tiddlywinks, care home services, office work, etc., mixed in with a good dose of teaching at the School of Missional Disciple-making at Above Bar Church one day a week.
Favourite things: Drinking tea, chatting with friends, being out in the sunshine, going for walks, shopping!
