Diocese of Chichester

Alison Hassell - Assistant Warden for Lay ministry

Hastings Archdeaconry

I am a Reader at St Mary’s Church in Battle, where I have lived and worshipped for the past 32 years. I was born in South Wales but grew up in Cheshire. My father was a clergyman in the Chester Diocese. I am a ‘cradle Christian’ – I have been a Christian all my life and have belonged to the Church of England all my life. I was baptised as an infant and confirmed when I was 12 years old.

I have been retired for 11 years. Professionally I used to be a Dietitian and worked within the NHS. I also trained as a nurse. I ended my career as Macmillan Dietitian at the Conquest Hospital in Hastings working with the local Macmillan Cancer Support team caring for cancer and palliative care patients and their families in the community, supporting them with their nutritional needs. Since retirement I have continued my hospital connection helping as a chaplaincy volunteer. I am married to John. We met whilst on VSO in Zambia in the 1970s. We have 3 grown up children and currently 2 grandchildren (with another on the way this year) I was licensed as a Reader in 2013 to serve St Mary’s Battle and our daughter church - the Church of the Ascension, Telham. In addition to leading worship and preaching I have responsibility for pastoral care, acting as co-ordinator for the pastoral care team.

As I continue my ministry in Battle I look forward to this opportunity I have been given to support others - fellow Readers and ALMs - in their ministry too.

Contact - alison.hassell@chichester.anglican.org

John Sheppard - Assistant Warden for Lay ministry 
Chichester Archdeaconry

I am a Reader at Fishbourne and Apuldram. As a West Countryman, I have lived in the Chichester area for 30 years and qualified as a Reader in 2008. I really enjoy the varied activities expected of me in my ministry and am particularly involved in the development of Messy Church, currently a roaring success at St Peter and St Marys Fishbourne. I hope I can contribute to the development and expansion of Reader Ministry, particularly at a time of resource issues in Ordained Ministry.

When not involved in ministry, I pass my time as a part time commercial consultant to government, husband, father of three and grandfather of six.Family and a little bit of continuing work are quite time consuming!!

Within the diocese, I am a guide at the Cathedral, have spent lots of time recently training new guides, and have long been a day chaplain. Living so close to Chichester, I enjoy cathedral life too. I also act as a Leader for a walking holiday company and spend as much time as possible in the wildernesses we have left in this country. I feel closer to God in that environment.

Contact - john.sheppard@chichester.anglican.org

Michael Miller – Assistant Warden for Lay Ministry

Brighton and Lewes Archdeaconry

I am a Chartered Accountant by profession and have recently retired having worked about half of my career in professional accounting firms and latterly in the public sector. My last assignment was to produce a film on money laundering compliance jointly with one of the major accountancy bodies which has received several awards.

I’ve attended the Church of the Good Shepherd in Brighton since I was 11 and have served under 8 Vicars! I was licenced as a Reader in 2005 and followed my training by completing a BA in Religious Education Studies at the University of Brighton. I am currently enjoying studying for an MA in Christian Ministry at the University of Chichester.

I have supported the Diocese with a number of training courses including ‘Following Jesus’ and recently ‘Living Faith’ for those exploring potential vocations for ordination, Reader ministry and Authorised Lay Ministry. I have also assisted for several years with Reader selection and am a regular Chaplain at Chichester Cathedral. I am a member of the Brighton Deanery and Diocesan Synods.

I am pleased to be able to work closely with Readers and ALMs in the Brighton & Lewes Archdeaconry and to assist in development of our ministry.

Contact - michael.miller@chichester.anglican.org

Martin Hennock – Assistant Warden for Lay Ministry

Horsham Archdeaconry

I am a Reader at St Mark’s Holbrook, but minister both there and in my village church, St Nicolas Itchingfield. This gives me a mix of a large town evangelical church and a rural village church.

I am semi-retired, having worked in the consumer industry in Norwich and Sussex. I now do some part time consultancy work in the same industry. I have degrees in Chemical Engineering and Business and trained to be a Reader at St Augustine’s college.

I have lived most of my life in Sussex being brought up in Brighton in the 1960 & 70’s and then returned near to Horsham in mid-1990’s. In between I lived in the Northwest and East Anglia.

I enjoy playing cricket and still play for my village club and for Sussex over 60’s teams. I have recently found time to do some walking rugby as well.

Despite being taken to church as a child and having school chapel I become a Christian when I was 17 in a Free Evangelical church on the Wirral. I have worshiped and served the Lord since then. When I moved to Horsham I started attending an Anglican church. I preached occasionally for 10 years before becoming a reader. I see my focus on bible teaching and discipleship.

I am married to Chris and we have 2 adult sons, who live around the world.

Contact - Martin.Hennock@Chichester.Anglican.Org