New Team Rector To Take Over Key Role At Isle Of Wight Churches

THE Bishop of Portsmouth has appointed Rev Chris Bradish as the new team rector to lead Church of England sites in Newport, Carisbrooke and Gatcombe.

Chris is currently rector of Andover parish, which includes four churches in North Hampshire.

He will head to the Isle of Wight with his wife Naomi and three children this summer, and is likely to be licensed on September 15.

He will lead the staff team that includes the current team vicars, the Revs Emma Cooksey and Steve Sutcliffe, following in the footsteps of interim team rector Canon Sarah Chapman, who stepped down earlier this year.

Chris trained for ordination at Ripon College Cuddesdon, served for a year on staff at Holy Trinity Brompton, and has since been involved in helping the church in Andover grow in discipleship, faith and mission across a range of worshipping styles and traditions. 

His current church, St Mary’s, plays an important civic role in North Hampshire.

The parish partners with a number of organisations including the NHS, the Forces community, various education settings, the borough council and key local employers, so he will be well placed to engage with the Island’s civic and historic links.

Chris and Naomi were also in the congregation for the re-opening of Newport Minster last week, when HRH the Duke of Edinburgh visited to celebrate the completion of its ambitious refurbishment.

He said:

“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to serve Newport, Carisbrooke and Gatcombe as Team Rector, and to join the team and others in progressing the church’s mission to the Isle of Wight.

"The churches at the heart of the island are poised for something new – you can feel it. 

"As a family, we’re looking forward to making new friends, learning new things and being part of this new chapter in the church’s life."

Chris was working as a solicitor in London when he felt called to ordained ministry.

He trained in Oxford and was ordained as a deacon and then as a priest at Winchester Cathedral. He served his curacy in Alton and then spent a year on staff at Holy Trinity Brompton before moving to Andover. 

His wife Naomi is a social worker and currently works for the NHS, leading a mental health team, and will be looking for a similar role on the island.

Their three children, Peter, aged 11, Juliette, 8 and Lydia, 6, will transfer to island schools.

The bishop, the Rt Rev Jonathan Frost, is expected to license Chris to his new role at 4pm on September 15 in Newport Minster.