NEW Methodist Minister for Winchcombe who described herself as a 'bit of a rebel' in her youth, is Reverend Ann Owen.

Mrs Owen, whose remit also covers Methodist churches in Cheltenham and Sheepscombe, was strongly influenced by the warmth of generous hospitality of the Methodist Church in Gibraltar in her early twenties.

Later on in her life Baptist Minister, activist and broadcaster Steve Chalke, South African Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu and the late Princess Diana, were also role models.

Trained at Wesley College Bristol, she was ordained in 2009 at the Wolverhampton Methodist Conference. For the past eight years, based in Downend, she has worked in the Bristol and South Gloucestershire Methodist circuit area.

Married to Andrew, the couple are moving to Cheltenham with Tigger, their 13-year-old pet cat. They also have two adult sons and a seven-year-old granddaughter.

Mrs Owen describes her journey to Methodist Ministry as a 'journey with God in the broad experience and life of the church'. She said: “Following a few specific stirrings in 1997 I began to respond to the call of God. I was thankful for a supportive, albeit surprised husband, as our plans for the future began to look different to what had been envisaged.”

She says her training to be a Minister was incredible and a very exciting time for which she will be forever thankful for. A significant part of her formation alongside academic studies and church placements were ‘hands on’ experience which included visits to a mental health hospital; MHA nursing home, university, courts, and prison chaplaincy. Eventually this saw her gain her BA(hons) degree for theology and ministry.

Mrs Owen also has a number of hobbies. She enjoys a leisurely walk in the countryside or by the sea, travel, photography, watching golf, tennis and water sports on TV. Also a trip to the theatre or cinema. “I enjoy a good book, and it’s always nice to have some humour and fun too,” she added.

She says she is looking forward to her Gloucestershire role.

“I am really looking forward to getting to know new people and connecting with what God is already doing in the lives of people both in the churches and surrounding communities."