Meet the Team

 Rev James Forward - Rector 

James F

James Forward is the Rector of Alfold and Loxwood, having joined the church in September 2023. He is husband to the lovely Katie, and father to Jesse and Rosie. He loves his God, his family, sports, and food – probably in that order!

 James was blessed to have grown up in a family that knows and loves Jesus. At fifteen he knew why Jesus’ death and resurrection mattered for him – and if the stories about Jesus are true, then he is the most important thing in the world. He is passionate about other people coming to know Jesus and understanding the good news for themselves.

 He studied at Oakhill College and served his curacy at Saint James Gerrards Cross in Buckinghamshire. James’ day off is Friday, and the family love to fill it with food and movies and walking their dog (ideally with a stop at the pub on route).  

 If you are wanting to explore the Christian faith, or interested in visiting us on a Sunday, James would love to hear from you! You’d be so welcome! Alflox.rector@gmail.com




jhRev James Hanson - Curate

James and Jenny come from good church stock – James’ Dad and Jenny’s mum are both Ordained clergy, his uncle is a retired Area Dean, cousin is a Baptist minister, and sister and brother-in-law lead a free-church in Liverpool. 

He began life in Wolverhampton, and is still proudly a Wolves FC fan, even if visits to the Molyneux are few and far between, and very much a Midlander at heart who has been drawn further south through his life to Warwick, Oxford, North London, Godalming, Haslemere and now to Alfold and Loxwood. 

During his time at university, he took part in as many games and sports as his enthusiasm rich, yet modest skill-set would allow, finding a real passion for rowing, go-karting, life-saving, backgammon and bridge, where he was a former England U20 triallist. After two degrees in Maths and Zoology at Oxford, James found himself falling in love with teaching, just as he found his real faith in Jesus, and loved sharing his love of Jesus, Maths and Sport to thousands of children across a 20-year teaching career encompassing four schools, the latter two he was privileged to be Head of, before his call to Ordination.

When he wasn’t training for Ordination, he spent a good proportion of his spare time in recent years supporting schools, as a Governor to two schools and also serving on the Surrey leaders of governance scheme, awaiting parachute deployment to help schools that got themselves into difficulty. Outside of his passion for education, James is a Team Leader for the Guildford Street Angels, and heads out into town on a Friday night each month to be part of a team aiming to show the light of Jesus to those vulnerable and in need. 

James also loves long walks, especially around Britain’s coasts and great rivers, and recently achieved a life-goal to walk the length of the river Thames from source to sea (200 miles), as a pilgrimage with his dad and a close friend. 

James is married to Jenny and they have two daughters, Ella and Thea. Both of them have many obsessions – from sport to music, and most definitely Harry Potter. Jenny is a talented singer and flautist, and works for Guildford Homestart; a charity who seeks to meet with very vulnerable families and provide care, intervention and both volunteer 1:1 and group support to parents in need.



Rev Richard Allan - Curate

Richard Allan is a curate at Alfold and Loxwood, having joined the church in 2018. He worked in the ‘City’ during the 1980s, before entering the teaching profession. He undertook his theological training at St Mellitus College, prior to being ordained in 2023. He is married to Ruth and they have two children - Charlotte and James.




emEmily Cross - Administrator

Emily has lived in Alfold most of her life, with her two children, recently moving just up the road to Cranleigh.   

Emily has been working as Parish Administrator for 9 years now.  

Out side of work Emily is Mum to Sean and  Amber. She loves to walk her dogs, read when she has a chance and have a delicious glass of cold wine!!







trev

Trevor Goacher - Churchwarden

Trevor has been married to Amanda for 31 years and they have 2 daughters, plus 2 beautiful grandchildren. He has lived in the parish for 28 years, and has been involved in local cricket, darts, plus other community interests during that time .

Trevor is a big Brighton and Hove Albion fan, supporting them through good and bad times, (mainly bad), but is proud that the club has survived having faced being wound up, but for one kick of a ball. He is a qualified scuba diver and loves being under the water, where Gods world is in his opinion at its best. His dream is to dive with Manta Rays, one of the most majestic of the underwater world.

After working in the charity sector for over 25 years, he has set up a small construction company serving the local area, which he hopes will free up some time for him to get better at golf!


Liz Simpson - Churchwarden

Liz Simpson

Liz has two beautiful daughters and three wonderful grandchildren, she lives in Bramley but has been involved with the church in Alfold and Loxwood for most of her life.

Liz’s Dad, Geoffrey Green, was Church Warden for many years so it was just a matter of time before she was encouraged to follow in her Dad’s footsteps.

Liz loves going on country walks and enjoys her weekly Tai Chi sessions to help calm her nerves!







ruth


Ruth Allan - Safeguarding Officer

Blurb coming soon...