The Revd Lea Ryder – Vicar of Abergavenny Ministry Area
Lea is a Diocesan Spiritual Advisor, Diocesan Rural Life Advisor, Chaplain to Monmouthshire FCN and volunteer at the Monmouthshire Rural Support Centre at Monmouthshire livestock market. She is passionate about rural ministry and sport chaplaincy and, as a former three-day event rider, has a particular interest in Tetrathlon and Eventing.
The Revd Dawn Lindsay – Curate
Dawn grew up in the Bristol area before moving to Wales in 1989 to be with her now‑husband, Adrian. After 30 years as a travel agent, she sensed God calling her toward Ordination following the arrival of their family. She joined us in January 2026 to complete her curacy, having previously served in the Heart of Newport MA, and feeling led by God to the Abergavenny MA. Dawn is delighted to be here and looks forward to settling into the rhythm of life and serving the area as part of the team.
Caroline Woollard – MA Warden & Lay Co-Chair of the MAC
Caroline is a retired journalist, having worked for local and regional newspapers, as well as BBC local radio for over 40 years. Since returning to Abergavenny in 1998, she has become more and more involved in the Church in Wales, serving on its Governing Body, the Electoral College, as a Lay Canon of Newport Cathedral and as both Ministry Area Warden and Lay Co-Chair of the Ministry Area Council. She is Chair of the Provincial Discernment Panel.
Tim Pratt – St Mary’s
Former head teacher Tim has been St Mary’s Director of Music since June 2000, celebrating his 25th anniversary with a special Evensong. He is a composer, mainly of sacred choral music, and has directed church and other choirs since the late 1970s. Tim also served as Churchwarden for St Mary’s before Abergavenny Ministry Area was formed.
Margaret Woodyatt – St Faith’s
Maggy to her friends, she attends St Faith’s Church in Llanfoist. Over the years she has been the verger, sacristan, warden, and church cleaner. As a native of Llanfoist, Maggy is frequently asked about the history of the church buildings and the renowned people buried in the churchyard.
Pip Hassall – St Peter’s
Pip has been churchwarden at St Peter’s for at least 15 years. After a degree in Biology, she trained as a Landscape Architect but stopped paid work when her children were born. She has retained an interest in the natural world. She sings in two local choirs and has a keen interest in design.
Robin Smith – St Mary’s Priory Trustees
Robin has worshipped at St Mary’s for nearly 70 years and on a weekly basis since 1976, and has served on the former PCC both in the 1980s and from 2008. A former Churchwarden, he is currently Treasurer of St Mary’s, the Priory Trustees, the Priory Development Trust and the Monuments Fund.
Robin has a degree in metallurgy from Cambridge and spent 36 years in transport and distribution departments in the steel industry.
Miles Kennah – Ministry Area Treasurer
Miles grew up near Marlborough and whilst in the Army, met and married Lea – they have been married nearly 30 years. The blessing of their son Rueben strengthened their journey with Christ, leading to Lea’s ordination and Miles’ active participation in church life. Past roles have been from cook at church events, through to foundation governor and treasurer.
Nigel Patterson – Holy Trinity
Nigel has been a member of Holy Trinity Church for over 30 years. He was appointed Vicar’s Warden the same year as he became Church Treasurer, later taking on the role of People’s Warden. He has been a school governor for over 25 years and is Chair of Governors at Cantref Primary. Nigel is also a Trustee of the Alms Houses at Holy Trinity Church. Professionally, he is an architect specialising GP surgeries across the country and, in his spare time, enjoys DIY, creative arts and cooking.
David Evans – St Mary’s
David was born and brought up in Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire where he was a chorister and server in his local church, St Katherine’s. He moved from Pembrokeshire when he was 18 to go to University in London. After gaining his degree he moved to Cardiff to work for a multinational company in Sales Management and Marketing. Their head office was in Kent so after three years in Cardiff David was transferred to Maidstone and with his wife lived in Kent for 41 years. Already retired, David and his wife moved to Abergavenny in 2020.
Sharon Dickinson – Christchurch North Street
Sharon grew up in Port Talbot, West Glamorgan, and moved to London at the age of 18 for University. After studying in London and Cardiff she worked for many years as a Senior Medical Social Worker in London. In 2014 she set up a home based childcare setting working alongside her husband Rob. In 2020 Sharon moved with her family to Abergavenny and continues to run a childcare setting from home. Sharon previously served on the PCC of her church in London and as Vice Chair of Governors of the church school. Since moving to Abergavenny she has attended both Christchurch North Street and St Mary’s, and is now a local warden at Christchurch as well as part of the serving team at St Mary’s.
Bonnie Russell – St Helen’s
Bonnie lives in Llanellen and has attended St Helen’s for nearly sixty years. She has been Treasurer of the church for many years and is also very involved in village events. Bonnie was the driving force behind the restoration of the church after a fire in the vestry in 2022.