The Revd John Searles: Assistant Curate
Ordained as a Deacon in June 2026, John is a volunteer minister (self-supporting) and will spend this first year of ministry leading prayers, preaching and serving the community. All being well, he will be ordained as a Priest next year. John is looking forward to getting to know everyone across the benefice and learning the ropes of daily ministry. Before ordination, John trained for ministry at the Winchester School of Mission and previously had worked for 24 years in finance in the City of London and in industry. He has lived in Over Wallop for many years and has served St Peter’s as churchwarden and PCC member. Outside church life, John enjoys sailing and spending time with family and friends. Tel: 07502 392153, email johnsearles.pdb@gmail.com

Hester Moore: Licensed Lay Preacher
Hester grew up in Africa and came to live in the UK in 1982. She writes “I grew up in a Christian family. My faith became a reality in later years. Many people have invested their time and spiritual guidance in my life over many years and I feel called to share it. I completed the BCM preaching course two years ago and have been leading services and giving sermons. I enjoy exploring scripture and putting across my thoughts in the best way I can.”  She has now begun the two-year course to become a Licensed Lay Minister.

Ian Willis: Licensed Lay Preacher
Ian’s Christian journey began at university. He spent eleven years in the army (including three years in Northern Ireland) and ran his own Executive Search Business for a long time.  For ten years he was Chair of a Missionary Society which focussed on supporting Christians in the Military.  He has been a trustee of RUSI, a Whitehall-based think tank specialising in defence and security. Having been a PCC member and regular speaker at his previous church in Andover, he was commissioned in Winchester Cathedral on October 12th this year as a Lay Preacher and now preaches on a regular basis across the Benefice.  He is married to Kitty, who is a psychotherapist and Spiritual Director; they have three children and two grandchildren. Tel: 07510 673203.

Stephen Baldock: Lay Worship Leader
Stephen was High Master of St Paul’s School in South West London and has lived in Over Wallop since his retirement in 2004. He is Lay Vice Chair of the Portway and Danebury Benefice Council. He helps to run a weekly home group, leads Sunday worship in the benefice parishes and plays the organ in the absence of a professional. He is also the webmaster. He is married to Janet, a former GP and treasurer of the Over Wallop PCC; they have four married children and ten grandchildren. Email info@stpetersoverwallop.co.uk (enquiries about St Peter’s or the parish magazine) or pa2pdteam@gmail.com (for Benefice Council business).