Priest-in-Charge of Embleton with Rennington and Rock, and Area Dean of Alnwick, Alison was appointed Priest-in-Charge of Longhoughton (including Bulmer) with Howick and of Lesbury with Alnmouth in October 2021.

Brought up on the Wirral and I come from a family of Agriculturists and Maritime engineers! First in the family to go to University, I obtained a place at Keble College, Oxford to study Geology and Mineralogy. Through a number of twists and turns I discovered faith in God at University, and never looked back!

After teacher training, post Oxford, I taught Geography for 3 years and felt the call to ordained ministry. 3 years at Theological College ensued and I was ordained in 1985. 

For 4 years I worked in a deprived area of Greater Manchester {Partington} and then for 4 years as a Vicar in Stockport and part time Hospital Chaplain. Great experiences and living proof that God has a sense of humour!

I  felt a real nudge towards Prison Chaplaincy and after a series of powerful pointers I spent 18 years as a Prison Chaplain. working with young offenders in Shropshire and then at HMP Acklington and finally HMP Durham. There is a book to be written from my experiences!

I then spent some time as Chaplain at Durham School, by way of a real contrast, and then had a break from Ministry.

Aln and Coastland parishes have been a blessing on many levels to Helen and I.

My motto is; God loves you more than you can ever know! No strings attached!

Having grown up in South Wales and the later on in central Cambridge, Northumberland is a new adventure for me! After falling in love with the North East while studying theology in Durham, I moved further North across the Tyne to continue discerning how and where God was calling me.
When I left Newcastle to begin ordination training, I made a promise to myself and to God that I would return to this beautiful region to serve and continue pursuing my vocation. So having spent two years training at Westcott House in Cambridge, and studying for an MA, I am delighted to return North and begin my ordained life and ministry here.
I was ordained at the beginning of July as a Deacon and will be serving my curacy with the 9 churches of the Benefice of Embleton with Rennington and Rock, Longhoughton (including Bulmer) with Howick and Lesbury with Alnmouth.
In my spare time I enjoy exploring the beaches and local countryside with my Miniature Schnauzer Poppy (via quirky pubs and coffee shops, of course), rummaging through antique shops, and experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes. I have a keen interest in early medieval religious and social history and enjoy learning about local and historical crafts, trades, and traditions.