Christ Church Cheltenham

Your Vicar | Your Community | Your Church
See our Church in action

Meet your Vicar

Rev Simon Heron

Reverend Canon Simon Heron joined us as Vicar of Christ Church on 6th May 2020.​

Following a short-lived career as a scaffolder, and a longer one as a trader in the City of London, Simon trained for the Anglican ministry between 2005 and 2007 at Ridley Hall in Cambridge.​

He served his curacy in Rochester Diocese, before moving to North Essex in 2011 where he has been Vicar of three churches and Area Dean of the Harwich Deanery.

Simon would describe himself as a classic extrovert who finds himself enthused and stimulated by being around others. He has a particular passion for seeing children and young people come to know Jesus, and finding fresh and innovative ways to communicate the gospel.

He is a keen cook and songwriter, whose ambition sometimes overshadows his talent!

Simon is married to Gill, who has been a primary school teacher and currently works with a charity providing pastoral and spiritual care in schools.

They have three children, Christopher, who is married to Megan, Benjamin and Katy.​

Simon’s own web page.

Meet your Curate

Originally from Portsmouth, I spent my youth living in Fareham where I was a member of the local Boys’ Brigade and worshipped at Fareham Baptist Church.

At the age of 16 years and 12 days I joined the army as a Junior Leader in the Royal Armoured corps. I joined the Royal Hussars at 17 and went on my first operational tour to Belfast at 18. I spent 22 years in the army as a tank commander, adventurous training instructor and signals instructor. At the end of my military career I met Catherine who was working in Cheltenham as a nurse. We married and have two sons; Edward a paramedic and Harry a tree surgeon. I also have two daughters; Laura a teacher and Elaine a social worker.

After finishing my active military career, I became a FE teacher and then head of department. I have taught inmates in Gloucester and Bristol prisons and young Muslim women in an all-women Muslim centre. I worked for the Oxford Diocese Board of Education and helped lead a secondary school out of special measures. I retired in 2016.

Unfortunately for me, God wasn’t ready for my retirement and called me to serve as a teacher in All Saint’s Academy over in West Cheltenham. I became a Christian in 1974 in Fareham when during a dream I met Jesus at a railway station. As a young soldier, I was physically beaten for my faith by other soldiers. When I was 17 I had a vision of myself in a dog collar, but as a working-class lad who wasn’t going to do A-Levels or go to university, I tried hard to ignore it. All through my life the calling never went away.

Eventually, I gave in and trained for ministry part-time in RGH (previously WEMTEC). I am looking forward to getting to know you and worshipping and walking with you over the next few years.

Rev Eddie Carmichael
Curate

Meet your Team

Phil Whitefield
Churchwarden, Treasurer & Verger

Andrew Judge
Licensed Reader

Rev Mike Sanders
Retired

Angela Smith
Licensed Reader & Weddings Administrator

Penny Goodwin
Parish Administrator

Rev Julia Hook
Parish Administrator

Pastoral Team

Christ Church Pastoral Team are here to help.​

The Pastoral Team is always available if you or someone you know would like some help or support.

Please contact Tina Benney on 01242 512246 or email tina.benney@btinternet.com

Outreach Support Team

At the moment the Covid 19 Outreach Support Team is being suspended but will be restarted if further lockdowns become necessary.  Thank you to everyone who volunteered and offered care and support during this difficult time. Your kindness has been very much appreciated.