Rev. Karen Hanford

Karen lives in Beeston and was ordained in 2017, having studied at St John’s College, Bramcote.  She is married to David and they have a son, Richard, who is also a Vicar.  Karen served her Curacy at St Leonard’s Wollaton and is currently Associate Minister in Stapleford. Karen will be coming to lead ACT Churches in March 2023

Before ordination Karen had worked as a Probation Officer, an Advisor with the Citizens Advice Bureau and as a Legal Secretary.

Karen and David enjoy hill walking and love heading off to the Lake District, North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales, as well as the Peak District, whenever time allows.  They enjoy setting themselves new walking challenges and have completed the Coast to Coast walk from St Bees to Robin Hood’s Bay and most of the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

Karen says: “One of the greatest joys in ministry is seeing people come to faith and also growing in faith – stepping out and doing new things in response to God’s call.  I look forward to seeing where God will lead us in 2023.”

Photo of Brenda Brown

Revd Brenda Brown

Assistant Minister
Brenda was ordained as a Deacon to become a part time distinctive deacon to the parishes of Awsworth, Cossall and Trowell in July 2011. She was then fully ordained as a priest in November 2013, and continues to live in Awsworth.
Photo of Paul Whitehead

Revd Paul Whitehead

Assistant Minister
Paul joined us as assistant minister in November 2002. He is also Army chaplain (TA) to the East of England Infantry Regiment.
Click here for Paul's contact details.
Photo of Billy Nelson

Revd Billy Nelson

Retired Minister
Billy joined us as a 'retired' minister in 2005.
Click here for Billy's contact details.

People who have previously served with the Benefice

Photo of Andy Lord

Revd Dr Andy Lord became Rector of the Benefice of Awsworth, Cossall and Trowell on 2nd October 2006. He left the Benefice to become Priest-in Charge of All Saints, Didcot and Bishop’s Advisor for Didcot Garden Town on 28th July 2019.

Photo of Martin Strang

Revd Martin Strang joined us as full time Curate to the parishes of Awsworth, Cossall and Trowell from July 2009 till August 2012. He left the Benefice to be Vicar at Doxey and Forebridge (Stafford) on 6th September 2012.

Martin completed his training at St John’s Theological College. Prior to going to College, Martin spent 30 years in the heavy engineering industry. For much of this time he was involved with power station boilers, particularly for the overseas market. He was lucky enough to have two postings to India, one of these being with Rachel shortly after their marriage in 2000. Martin says that there are three aspects of his life which have most shaped and influenced him: his Christian faith, being a family man, and his Scottish upbringing.

Photo of Bex Niemic

Miss Bex Niemiec joined us as part time Youth Worker in September 2008. She obtained a Centre for Youth Ministry (CYM) Degree with St Johns College and moved on to a full time Youth Worker post in Devon, in June 2010.

Bex grew up in a Christian family, and made her own decision to follow God when she did the Youth Alpha Course aged 11. Throughout senior school she was very involved in her church’s various youth groups, whilst at school her main focus was on performing arts. After sixth form, she chose a degree in Drama, and spent a year in Leicester. In the summer break, she took a group of young people to Soul Survivor. During that week, she felt God tell her He wanted her to be a youth worker. As soon as she got home, everything fell quickly into place. In the space of ten days she went from being a full-time drama student, to a full-time youth worker!

Photo of David Lester

Revd David Lester was Licensed as Curate at St Helen’s Church Trowell, St Peter’s Church Awsworth and St Catherine’s Church Cossall in July 1999. He retired and left the Benefice on 3rd September 2006.

Photo of Joan Whysall

Revd Joan Whysall was Licensed as Curate at St Helen’s Church Trowell, St Peter’s Church Awsworth and St Catherine’s Church Cossall in July 2001. She left the Benefice to be Priest in Charge at Christchurch, Cinderhill on 10th May 2006.