Team Rector designate - The Revd Phillip Garbett

Well, I’m of average height, follically challenged (age and three daughters you understand) and have a good sense of humour.  I’m married to Ingrid who is a Macmillan nurse.  Our three daughters all live in Ipswich.  Philippa, our eldest, is married and has two adorable daughters.  Beckie is studying for a degree in wildlife conservation at Otley College, where Naomi, our youngest, is a lecturer.

I hail from Plymouth, leaving in 1972 to explore my vocation.  I spent 2 years at Oak Hill Theological College in north London (where Ingrid and I met), followed by 3 years on the staff of a church in the east end (where we had our first home).  I began training with Church Army at its London college in 1977 and was commissioned as an evangelist in 1980.  I worked in two parishes, (Wimborne 1980 and St John’s, Ipswich, 1984) before working as Diocesan Adviser in Youth and Children’s work in this diocese in 1989.  I was ordained in 1997 and served my curacy in the South West Ipswich Team Ministry, after which I moved to my present Team Vicar post in Felixstowe in Nov 2000.  Over the years I’ve enjoyed a variety of additional work, both local and national – principally for the Church Pastoral Aid Society (CPAS), the Church Army, St Elizabeth’s Hospice and Suffolk Police Chaplaincy.

As to my age, a suitable bribe of a pint of good ale would answer that one!

Ingrid and I enjoy a number hobbies but bird watching, walking, motor homing, motorcycling, keeping hens and fishing (Phillip only at the moment!) are favourite.

Ingrid and I are very much looking forward to joining you in March next year - to rejoice with you in what God has done and is doing now, to discern how we are to build on what has been accomplished, and what new work God has got in store.