Call of the midwife

Hailing from Odstock with Nunton and Bodenham in the Chalke Valley, Maggie was on the PCC, benefice team council and charity committee, was a churchwarden for 4 years and has been a sidesperson for many years.

Throwing herself into rural ministry in the Wylye and Till Valley Benefice, also in Wiltshire, she says:

"Welcoming people to church is always a delight!

"I am so looking forward to meeting the people in the Wylye Valley and getting to know the different villages with their beautiful churches - and pubs!"

Maggie trained as a nurse at St Thomas’ Hospital in London, then as a midwife in Salisbury before working in many places, including ten years in Salisbury itself.

She says:

"In 2012 I left midwifery and trained as a health visitor in in Southampton where I worked until 2018.

"Being with and journeying with women and their partners as they become parents is a huge privilege, and watching new life emerge and grow is a wonderful metaphor for our discovery of faith and developing discipleship.

"Witnessing the sustaining power of a parent’s love for their child is a constant reminder of how much God loves and gives all of us, and how each unique individual is made in the image of God and deserves respect."

Married to Jeremy, with three grown up daughters and sons-in-law, three grandchildren, one black labrador and one Mazda MX5, she attended Sarum College, and says:

"Being new to theological study, I found I loved it. I have really enjoyed meeting people from many different walks of life and church backgrounds – hearing the stories of who God calls and how is constantly wonderful and encouraging.

"Listening and watching, joining in and seeing things from different perspectives...

"Like my colleagues, I have not been able to take many services but am getting used to speaking to a camera – though much prefer face to face."

Asked about her interests, Maggie says:

"I love walking in the countryside, listening to and watching nature in every season. Theatre, art, music and reading – all different forms of expressing ourselves and the wonder of the rich and varied world in which we live.

"God calls all sorts of people at every stage of life. I certainly did not expect to become ordained even though I come from a long line of clergy. So never say never, and be alert as God has a plan for you and it may well be one, and at a time, you don’t expect!"