The Most Reverend Rod Walton
S.A.C. Dip. (Grief and Bereavement Counselling)

Lead Cleric

The Lyndhurst community worship together using both the beautiful and recently refurbished St Mary's Chapel, situated in the heart of the New Forest, by special arrangement and they make good use of their own Chapel for their healing ministry.

Rt Rev Rod Walton of the ECC+C has taken over the presidency for the National Guild of Christian Healers from our friend, Archbishop John Rhodes, (Emeritus) however Archbishop John will continue his blessed ministry within the Guild. We all promote ecumenism in its true definition and so to work alongside others, not just from different Churches but with different theology, is the only way we can keep the Word of God alive. No matter how much we disagree on matters such as women in ministry, we all agree that to serve God through our active ministries and to pray for reconciliation, peace and healing for God's Kingdom in every sense of the word, is not just paramount; it is our duty.

The National Guild of Christian Healers - click here for the Newsletter

Read more: Archbishop Rod Walton

The Reverend Nicola Martin-Davis

Cert Ed (post-16). EN(G). Dip M&M. Bethany Bereavement Counsellor. 

Rev Nicola works in the South East of England and team-ministers with Rev Paul Fry (see Lutheran ECC). They are both bereavement chaplains. Nicola also cherishes her role as Chaplain to a local Care Home. They work well with other denominations within the ethos of Churches Together and the relationship with some local Church of England 'vicars' has become very good, enjoying a mutual respect for individual ministries. Her relationship with the Roman Catholic Church is excellent.

Nicola qualified in General Nursing in 1983 eventually working in elderly and terminal care but following a serious neck and back injury she was forced her to leave the profession she loved. She worked as a copywriter to fund her studies at University in Education and Psychology and went on to teach Post-16 students. After achieving further qualifications in Adult Literacy and Counselling, Nicola piloted a Home Office Scheme to support the education of offenders either through personal choice, as a part of parole conditions or part of a Court Order. She also managed Year 7 - 11 pupils with behavioural problems and Special Educational Needs who were disenfranchised from mainstream education. Her work in nursing spanned some 14 years and then a further 9 years in Adult Education which she absolutely loved, followed by 7 years in Secondary Education. Nicola studies are in Christian Ministry, Mission and Christology.

 The Reverend Paul Fry

Dip. Theology 

RNA Chaplain & Bereavement Minister. Reverend Paul has over 20 years experience as a Lutheran Parish Pastor, having cared for three parishes and their congregations in the Home Counties since 1985. Reverend Paul completed his diploma in theology at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of England Seminary in Cambridge. Former editor of the 'British Lutheran' Reverend Paul took full advantage of continuing education and has trained in marriage counselling and Family Issues. We are delighted to link with his vast pastoral experience in the area of Family Issues and Bereavement Ministry.

The Royal Naval Association granted it's Royal Charter in 1954 is the principal Naval Association recognised by the Admiralty Board and is a Registered Charity.Membership is open to all serving and ex-service members of the Naval Forces including the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, QARNNS, WRNS, Reserves and all ranks and specialisation’s. In addition, anyone who is in sympathy with the objects of the Association may join as an Associate Member.

Today the RN Association has a membership of 22,500 in over 400 Branches - including some overseas. Established to further the efficiency and well being of the Service, preserve its traditions and encourage recruiting. To foster comradeship and "esprit de corps" amongst those who have served or are serving in Our Naval Forces. To provide facilities for bringing Members together. To perpetuate the memory of those members of our Naval Forces who have died; in the service of their country. To provide relief from conditions of need, hardship or distress, to persons who serve in or have served in Our Naval Forces and all dependants of such persons. To advise and assist Members in their search for employment. To advise Members and their dependants on personal matters, such as pensions, compensation, health and social security benefits and other subjects affecting their welfare.  Rev'd Paul is Chaplain for the Roydon division of the RNA.

Lutheran Theology - A Lutheran is a person who believes, teaches and confesses the truths of God's Word as they are summarized and confessed in the Book of Concord." The Book of Concord contains the Lutheran confessions of faith.When people are received into membership into a Lutheran congregation through confirmation they are asked if they confess the doctrine of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, as they have learned to know it from the Small Catechism, to be faithful and true.

Read more: Lutheran ECC

My ministry began at an early age as a chorister, then after national service as a server and finally I was licensed as a reader in 1967 by the famous bishop John AT Robinson, a position I still hold (technically). During my service at St Marks, Battersea Rise, I spent some time working with an interdenominational group called the Fraternal where ministers from different churches co-operate in pastoral work, presenting a united front of Christianity to the local community.

I had long been aware of a strong belief that Christianity is not so much a religion, more a way of life and sought to convince our congregation that the hour or so on Sunday is a very small but important element of our faith.

I had long been aware of a call to a more wide ranging ministry. I was ordained a priest in 2001, later became Archdeacon and was consecrated as a Bishop in September 2008.

My main ministry is among housebound and disabled people, a field I have some knowledge of as my late wife was disabled by several medical conditions.. My wife's suffering came to an end in 2007 and this has left me with a great understanding and empathy with the bereaved, and this is an area of ministry I feel called to do due to my personal experience

The Reverend Doctor Caroline Wilkins PhD
S.A.C. Dip. (Grief and Bereavement Counselling)

Bereavement & Animal Welfare Chaplain

Caroline is a very active animal welfare volunteer, working with animal rescue charities and as an independant rescuer. Her work is mainly with dogs and horses, but her animal rescue ministry includes animals of all types, including battery chickens and even wolves and on occasion animals such as elephants.

Read more: Franciscan Animal Rescue