I have lived in North Nibley since the late 1980’s and married a local chap called Bob. He is a retired Painter and Decorator who has a passion for Vintage vehicles and guitars.
We have two children, Marian and Roy; both creative adults who continue to live locally.
I was co-owner of The Tolsey Shop in Wotton for over 10 years and Chaired the Chamber of Trade during this time.
I became a Christian after joining the choir at North Nibley and then seeing my daughter baptised when she was 7 years old.
I love singing of all kinds.
My faith grew as I explored Christianity through the care of the Local Ministry Team in Nibley and was eventually appointed as Youth and Children’s worker for the Tyndale Benefice under the care of John May.
Soon came a new calling to ordained Ministry and was encouraged by many within the benefice to make this next leap of faith.
I trained at Trinity College Bristol and I was ordained in 2010 just weeks after my 50th birthday.
I had a wonderful curacy in Tetbury, Beverston, Long Larton and Shipton Moyne, but felt called to Prison Ministry after working with a Charity called One 25 who cared and supported women working the streets of Bristol.
God steered me towards a new adventure as an Anglican Chaplain at HMP Eastwood Park Women’s Prison. I Loved walking alongside both prisoners and staff, hearing their stories and trying to restore their faith in human kindness and decency.
My main achievement was setting up and running a Restorative Justice Programme called Sycamore Tree, which encouraged prisoners to take responsibility for their actions and seek forgiveness.
With a new promotion I stepped into the role of Managing Chaplain at HMP Leyhill Open Prison in 2019 where I have spent 3 years managing a Multi Faith department and playing my part in Senior Management there. My plan was to stay until I retired, but God has revealed yet another adventure.
I now look forward to three years of ministry and fellowship in the Tyndale Benefice.
St Peter opened the door to my faith in an epiphany moment and I have carried prison keys for the past 9 years of my ministry. A new door is now being opened that does not require a lock. All I had to do was knock.
I am more than excited to be stepping into this new role as Priest in Charge of the Tyndale Benefice and look forward to whatever God has instore for us in our time together.
Rev Lesley Hewish
If you wish to get hold of a member of the clergy team, please contact office@tyndalebenefice.co.uk or you can contact Lesley directly on vicar@tyndalebenefice.co.uk