An Introduction from Huw

Dear Friends,

I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce myself. After all, it's not every day that you get a new minister.  

So, for the record, my name is Huw John Sperring. I`m 52 years old, was born and bred in South Wales in a little sleepyvillage called Portskewett, close to the River Severn. The original Severn Bridge could be seen very clearly from the home I grew up in.

My upbringing included attending the village Anglican Church as well as the Methodist Chapel in the neighbouring town of Caldicot.  I really did enjoy the richness of both traditions and at the age of fifteen was confirmed by the Bishop of Monmouth.  I left Wales to study theology at Westminster College Oxford, the Methodist College of Higher Education and after graduating spent a year in Gateshead working with the Church Army. I then moved to Ealing, West London working with NCH before travelling north again to Southport. It was here that I worked as a Circuit Lay Worker before candidating for the Methodist ministry. I was sent by the Methodist Church to Lincoln theological college where Anglican and Methodist ordinands trained together, side by side.

It does feel good to be back in the Newcastle District and returning to Gateshead afterall those years. In fact, I have spent my entire presbyteral ministry in the North East. My first appointment was in Darlington followed by Sunderland and then to Middlesbrough and Eston. 

My wife Hilary who I met in Darlington, joins me with my three children Lucy, Harrison and Elle. We are very happy to be part of the Bede Circuit and have been warmly received and we thank you all for this. 

I enjoy watching rugby and cricket, eating curry, collecting ties, playing the piano, spending time with the family and visiting Wales. 

Now that you've heard a bit about me I'm looking forward to getting to meeting you all at Wesley and am looking forward to a happy time together.

With very best wishes
Huw