The Team

Rector and Vicar – Revd James Pitkin

I have been the Incumbent of the Thorngate Benefice since June 2003 (this expanded to the Thorngate & Blackwater Benefice on 1 July 2023). Formerly an Engineer in the Royal Air Force, I enjoy the variety of worship across many churches and work with the local schools. I’m married to Sue and have four grown-up daughters. I retain links with aviation through being the National Chaplain to the RAF Air Cadets. If I had any spare time, it would be spent in pursuing my interests in local and family history.

The Revd Sara-Jane Stevens

I joined the team at Thorngate and Blackwater benefice in April 2024. Before moving I was Priest-in-Charge of two parishes on the South Downs just north of Worthing for a little over five years, before which I served as curate in Worthing town centre for three and a half years. If I went back far enough you’d learn that I went to university in Southampton, so moving to Wellow is a little bit like coming home. I have also worked as a primary school teacher and fire control operator, when I wasn’t playing guitar, singing or sailing.

I live in Wellow Vicarage with my husband Bob and our dogs Shannon and Basmah. We enjoy live music, comedy, eating out and showing people how much Jesus loves them!

The Curate – Revd Yin-Yin Bull

I recently graduated from a BA in Mission and Theology at St Mellitus College, London.  Before being called to ministry and ordination, I worked in a variety of settings, I worked with special needs teenagers for 8 years, leading nurture and social groups and as a counsellor working with vulnerable teenagers in schools.  Prior to this, I was a contracts manager in the defence and aerospace industry for 10 years.  I also worked in Ethics for an international defence Company.  I am married to Colin, we have a 20-year-old son, James, who is studying Fine Art in Brighton.  We have a ‘black and tan’ Dachshund, Mochi, and a long-haired cat, Chewie! I enjoy mountain biking, dog walking, painting and writing poetry.

Associate Priest (Volunteer) – Revd Nick Flood

I am, by profession, a Chartered Accountant. After training at theological college, I spent nearly 50 years as a licensed non-stipendiary lay and then ordained minister in the Church of England including 14 years as a full-time Hospital Chaplain until retirement. Since then I have been a volunteer Associate Priest in the Thorngate and Blackwater United Benefice. I’m married to Joey, have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.

Associate Priest (Volunteer) – Revd Joanna Percival

I was ordained in 1994 in California and was a parish priest for 10 years in the States and UK. I took a year away from ministry to learn to design and make architectural stained glass. I began working as a hospital chaplain at Southampton hospital in 2008 and retired as Lead Chaplain at Guildford Hospital in 2018. As well as helping in the Benefice, I am a spiritual director and supervisor. I have family in London and Frome, and for fun I enjoy walking, painting and participating in a monthly Democracy Cafe on current political issues in Salisbury, where I live.

Associate Priest (Volunteer) – Revd Sue Pitkin

I’m Sue, married to Vicar James and mother to our four grown up daughters. I recently retired from being a hospital chaplain, remaining an Anglican priest. I’m delighted to have time to read, walk, rest and sing.

Licensed Lay Minister/Reader – John Niblett

I have lived in the Benefice for a long time (former local Headteacher) and was licensed as a Reader in 2003. From time to time I take non-eucharistic services in all the churches, more often than not, BCP. I enjoy singing tenor in the Lockerley choir and playing guitar in the band.

Lay Worship Leaders (Bishop’s Commission for Mission)

The Lay Worship Leaders take Services of the Word across most of the parishes and most have been in this role since 2005. They are: Andy Holton; Barbara Needham; Bob Stevens; Clare Durham; Greg McCann; Julia Barnett; Julia Noble; Sally Masters; Michelle Harden; and Sheridan O’Shea. They bring with them a wide variety of life experience and current and former roles include: Teacher; Midwife; HR Consultant; Farmer; Carer; Diversity Consultant; Chemist; and, ceramics specialist.