Who's Who

Please find below an introduction to our church leaders and staff members.
 
HH   Steve Blevins
Helen Hancock (Team Rector)   Steve Blevins (Parish Administrator)
Helen has been Team Rector of THiS Team for 8 years. Before that she was a lawyer (and even worked locally in the Parish).  She is currently also the Co- Chair of Churches Together in Surbiton.
When not working she goes running - not very far or very fast - and enjoys knitting and cooking. She is married to Simon, our Director of Music and they have three grown up children. Her usual day off is Friday so please don't expect to hear from her then.

You can contact Helen on 020 8390 3829 or at
  Steve has a long background in public service having been a police officer for 30 years. He brings a broad range of skills to the role but is always keen to learn more. He has a strong sense of 'community' and enjoys being involved in local events and with good causes benefitting the community.  He cycles long distances for pleasure and has his own charitable project supporting young people in Laos, SE Asia.

Steve is usually in the office between 9am - 1pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Tel no 020 8390 5121 or
     
Susan    
Susan Kang (SPA - Southwark Pastoral Auxiliary)    
Susan shares in the Pastoral ministry and is particularly involved in helping the elderly and those who are bereaved.  She helps lead our Bereavement Friendly Church initiative.    
     
Screen Shot 2021-05-10 at 21.3   William (2)
Rev Carolyn Lucas    Rev William Allberry (PTO)
Carolyn is a Minister across the Tolworth Hook & Surbiton Team Ministry and as such share her ministry between the three churches.  She is also a Health Visitor locally and a keen reader, cook, mother and grandmother.    William was the Rector in Esher before his retirement and move to our parish. He frequently takes funerals and supports in ministry both at St Matthew's and elsewhere.
     
Screen Shot 2021-03-25 at 22.4    Dave Hill cropped
Jackie Farris (Churchwarden)   Dave Hill (Churchwarden)
Jackie has attended St Matthew’s Church for six years and for three years was part of the Children's Group before becoming Church Warden.

She is married with grown up children and grandchildren. She enjoys volunteering each week at a Phab Youth Group which integrates Disabled and Non-Disabled children in a youth club environment, as well as reading, crochet, country walks and spending time with friends and family.

Please contact Jackie via the Parish Office
  Dave was appointed in April 2022. He is the proud husband of Isobel and dad of Anna. He  was a solicitor for many years prior to switching to academia.
When not on holiday with the family (in the Gower) he enjoys cycling ,swimming and jogging - all done at a very sedate/slow pace!




Please contact Dave via the Parish Office
     
Brenda   Sue Fraser
Brenda Tyrrell (Parish Safeguarding Officer)   Sue Fraser (Parish Safeguarding Officer)
I’m Brenda Tyrrell and I’m the mother of 3 adult children and 5 brilliant grandchildren.  I’m a retired nurse and midwife and now fill my time looking after grandchildren, walking, gardening, listening to music, going to concerts, and am involved with various charities, mainly caring for the environment and people.  As a child, because of my father’s job, we moved frequently, but always in the south of England, so having now lived in Surbiton, and attended St Matthew’s church for 51 years I definitely call it home, although I still have a great love for Devon.
 
  I joined St Matthew's Church in 2015, where I was drawn by the warm welcome we were given.
I am married to Scott and have two grownup children, one living in New Zealand and one living with us at home.
I work as a Nurse Practitioner in a GP surgery in New Malden. I am semi-retired and work two sessions a week, managing the diabetic patients.
Both Scott and I have a passion for travel and are looking forward to being able to visit our daughter in New Zealand.
     
Tim   Wendyv2
Tim Lucas (Treasurer)   Wendy Richmond (PCC Secretary)
I am married to Carolyn and have four (adult) daughters and one grandson, born during the first COVID lockdown. I qualified as an accountant in the mid ‘80s and worked in finance/investment for many years. I am now retired (and much prefer it to paid employment)! I enjoy walking, travel, eating out, going to the theatre, skiing, and spending time with the family. I have been at St Matthew’s since 2018 and prior to that worshipped at Christ Church New Malden for many years. I met and married Carolyn at a church in Bristol after I graduated from the university there.      
 
  I started coming to St Matthew's after both my godchildren were christened in the church in 2016.  I found the church community so welcoming and kind that I kept coming back. I was encouraged to join the next Alpha course and this help clarify my faith, leading me to my Confirmation in Southwark Cathedral in 2019.

In my own time, what I really love doing is anything creative, arty and crafty, especially learning new skills; my latest fads being calligraphy, origami, and coiled rope weaving … but next month it might be something else, as the real joy comes from learning and then teaching others, if I can.  This comes in very handy as both Learning and Development manager in the Civil Service and a Children's Group leader.
     
Simon    
Simon Hancock (Director of Music)    
I'm married to Helen and have managed to stay that way in spite of the fact that vicars and their directors of music don't always see eye to eye 100% of the time! I've been involved with church music since joining a parish church choir aged six, and it's always been a major part of my life. I enjoy working with our lovely choir, writing music occasionally, and playing the piano and organ (when it goes well...). St Matthew's has a strong musical tradition and I'm keen to try to maintain it while adapting to the broader requirements of the changing church music scene. I very much appreciate the support of all our talented musicians.    
     

Additional PCC members:

   
     
Anne small   Ashleigh
Anne Cosserat   Ashleigh Wakefield
I have been attending St Matthew’s since 2012 with my husband Will. The church plays an important role in our family life and both our children were baptised here. We all love being part of the St Matthew’s community, and particularly enjoy the annual ceilidh and carol concert. 
I am one of the children’s group leaders which I love, and I have learnt a lot about what you can make with lollipop sticks and pipe cleaners over the years! Which is not something I get to do much of in my normal job, working as a lawyer in financial services. 
I have been on the PCC for 3 years now, and it has been a real privilege to take on this role. 
 
  I joined St Matthew’s in 2017 after I returned from my legal studies in North Carolina, USA.  The family I was staying with there introduced me to church and I learned the power of God’s forgiveness in my life.  I returned to Surbiton and St Matthew’s was my local church, so I popped in one Sunday and I haven’t looked back since.
I’m a housing lawyer passionate about justice for vulnerable people within our society.  I love this work and feel that it is part of my Christian calling to help those who others might choose to overlook.   
 
     
Chika small   Sue 2
Chika Ripley   Sue O'Hagan
I grew up in the South of Nigeria, got married and moved to the UK in 2000. I have been living in Surbiton for the last 20 years with my husband and 2 kids. I work at IBM UK as a Business Consultant; I am a qualified fitness instructor and have been teaching group aerobics for over 10 years.
I am one of 7 siblings living in 3 different continents, and as Christianity was a huge part of our lives growing up, it was important to me to ‘give back’ to the church where possible.
I am honoured to be a member of St Matthew’s PCC.
  My first connection with St Matthew’s church was as a pupil at St Matthew’s school. Fast forward 50 years and I enjoyed watching Sunday services from the vicarage.  Once we could meet in person I soon realised I’d found my spiritual home at St Matthew’s. I am married to Peter and we have a son and daughter both in their twenties. I teach the piano and enjoy my work and walking in Richmond Park or along the Thames. I’m excited to be joining the P.C.C. and look forward to serving the church and the local community.
 
     
Isobel   Jessica
Isobel Hill   Jessica Johnson
I was born in South Africa and grew up in beautiful Stellenbosch. After qualifying as an accountant, I came to London for a three month secondment - I immediately fell in love with the city and have now loved living here for over 20 years. My husband Dave and I met in a church service 14 years ago and have one daughter. All of us felt immediately at home at St Matthew’s when we scouted for local churches in 2019. The Inspire Home Group have been amazing and so supportive - before and during lockdown.
I am grateful to serve on the PCC.
  I joined my chorister husband, Wes, at St. Matthew's Church 45 years ago. We, and our son, grew spiritually in relationship with God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - through active engagement in varied aspects of worship within this church family.
Now, since Wes sadly died in 2015, I'm involved with:
- PCC, including a specific brief for children, young people, and families; Choir;
Children's Groups; Beta House Group and am a St Matthew's Primary School Governor.

 'Retirement' links: - Kingston University, Barnfield Riding for Disabled, 'Refugees at Home', Kingston Community Refugee Sponsorship.... along with a dog and grandchildren!
     
Keith small   Screen Shot 2021-03-30 at 12.1  
Keith Hudson   Mark Curzon
I have been part of St Matthew’s since 2018 after moving from Yorkshire for a career move in the banking industry. So far in my relatively short time here I have become a member of the PCC, Finance Committee, and a leader for the Climbers group (aged 5-8).  In my eyes, St Matthew’s have been most inclusive and welcoming and have made me feel right at home. I am also due to get married to my fiancé Lauren in 2021 (COVID permitting of course!) My hobbies include tennis, running and gardening and I support my hometown club of Huddersfield Town.    Straight after completing the Alpha course at the Old Vicarage, I have been worshipping at St Matthew’s since 2010.
Volunteering in a number of areas has very much enhanced my enjoyment of church life, and of being part of our church community.  Also, faith related, but outside of St Matthew’s, I have been an active Street Pastor in Kingston for several years.
My previous involvement in other areas has included being on the steering committee of a homeless charity; an overseas holiday companion to a wheelchair user; and training as a sighted guide.
 
I enjoy a challenge!
     
Screen Shot 2021-03-30 at 12.1   Stuart sml
Sheena Evans   Stuart Bachelor
My life’s journey has in one way been short: born in Epsom, now live in Surbiton. First a Methodist, then C of E.  Tree-climber pursued by park keeper, then staid civil servant. There were detours to university, Hong Kong for 6 months and Wales for 7 years, but I mostly worked in London.  Our three daughters grew up in the St Matthew’s family, and David was always part of it, but I only quite recently became a committed member. Now making up for lost time, I very much enjoy singing with the choir and serving on the Eco Church group.
 
  Stuart grew up in Enfield, read Philosophy and Theology at Oxford and went into teaching after three years working in Jermyn Street. He is currently Deputy Head at City of London Freemen’s School- a co-educational independent school in Ashtead, Surrey. Stuart served in the Territorial Army for 9 years with the London Scottish and was mobilised to Iraq in 2004. Stuart is married to Charlotte, who is also a teacher; they have two young daughters. In his spare time, he is Chairman of one wandering cricket club and Fixtures Secretary of another.  
 
     

If you need to contact the Church please visit the Contact Us page.