This is ME – Reverend Claude

If you asked one of the hundreds of children I have taught who I am, they would tell you two things. First, they learned that nothing in life is too big a challenge, and second, Mrs Gayle doesn’t stop talking about chocolate and superheroes! I have come from a teaching background that has spanned both primary and secondary schools, spending 16 years teaching within Kent.

My journey from Mrs Gayle to Reverend Claude began many years ago with asudden call. As I join you on your journey, I am thrilled to have this opportunity to bewith St Nicholas Allington and St Paul’s Maidstone as your Priest-in-Charge.

I have served my curacy at St. Alphege Seasalter, having completed two years mixed mode training with St. Augustine West Malling and the West Sheppey Parish. Before that I was a member of Holy Trinity church, Sittingbourne.

I am married to Lenox and we have five children: Lucas, Ramone, Heather, Ioannis and Christian. The last three are still at home and no doubt you will meet them all indue course. We are also proud grandparents to our first grandson Theo aged 5¾.When I talk of my family it includes my extended family, my parents, brother and sisters, nieces and nephews, who no doubt you will see once in a while.

I love to swim, and in my dreams, one day I’d like to do a joint relay swim of the English channel simply for fun. I would love to have a successful allotment with morethan tomatoes and peppers in grow bags, and space to keep my own chickens.

I would love to tell you I play the piano, have a gospel singing voice, enjoy drinkingtea and coffee and have perfected baking cakes. Sadly, I can’t. As my former pupils could tell you, you’re more likely to find me watching superhero movies. And the only thing more exciting than Superman: Looking for where the glimmer of The Holy Spirit is at work.

Blessings, Reverend Claude.