Who’s Who In Seaford?
The Reverend Arwen Mary Folkes, Rector of the churches of St Peter and St Andrew. Arwen has lived in Seaford since March 2019 and is the rector of the two churches in the Benefice of East Blatchington and Bishopstone. She has been in full time ministry since 2016, having previously worked in pubs, cafés, care homes, in a box office and in marketing before starting her own social enterprise and serving as a district councillor. She went to school in Leicester and trained with the ILM in Management and Marketing in Cornwall, and took a BA and MA at the University of Durham while completing her theological training at Westcott House in Cambridge. Arwen is a governor of Seaford Primary School and a member of the Mothers’ Union, National Trust, Society for the Study of Theology, and the Society of Catholic Priests (Anglican). She enjoys swimming, learning the piano and playing Scrabble, as well as practising silent contemplation. Arwen is married to William, and together they have three children aged 16, 14 and 9, plus a springer spaniel, a one-eyed cat and a very clever hamster. What does your role involve? Priestly service comes in many forms, from leading church services, to marrying and christening people, to walking alongside people when they are unwell or have lost somebody. I also try to support the community and important organisations. I oversee the running of the church and work with a team of people to keep the ancient buildings alive and in good order. In all of this I always try to point towards the God who is with us and loves us. What do you most enjoy about your role? I love every single aspect of it. It is what I was born to do. What do you like best about Seaford? I love the community spirit – it is like a village that happens to have 27,000 people living in it. I also love the openness of the seafront and the waves. I could watch it for hours. What is your favourite piece of music? I love The Crucifixion by John Stainer, The Wanderer by Johnny Cash, U2, and
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anything by Muse. I enjoy all music except for Jazz, but that’s probably because I don’t really understand it. What is your favourite film? Stardust. What book are you reading at the moment? To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Watching the sea in silence with only the sound of the waves breaking on the shore, or, a roast dinner and playing board games with the family, or a sublimely beautiful Sunday Service. What has been your most embarrassing moment? My tutu fell down when I was on stage playing Glinda the Good Witch of the North in the Wizard of Oz aged 9. Where is your favourite place to go in and around Seaford? I love being in St Peter’s Church or walking along the seafront. Which person do you most admire? I admire many people often those who are caring for others, who sacrifice their time and liberty out of their love for another. What makes you sad? That people are hungry, lonely, or homeless in this society of ours. What words or phrases do you most overuse? ‘How lovely’ and ‘God Bless’ but the latter can never ever be ‘overused’! How do you relax? Swimming, meditating, praying, reading, laughing. What is the most important lesson life has taught you? That God is with us; not against us, not far away from us, but willingly and faithfully here with us. What is the first line of your favourite poem? ‘Love bade me welcome: yet my soul drew back’. What is your favourite journey? Walking home to the family after the last Christmas Day service has ended. How would you spend a million pounds? I would give half to medical research into dementia, a quarter to set up a homeless organisation, I’d put some aside for when people are in trouble and I’ve always wanted to go on holiday to Iceland to see the Northern Lights. What is your most memorable learning experience? University. I am so grateful to have been able to study theology as an adult. It expanded my mind, my faith, and my questioning in all sorts of ways. What is your greatest extravagance? Books and my computer. What is your favourite smell? Cinnamon. What is the best advice you have ever been given? ‘Love your neighbour as you love yourself ’ What would your motto be? Relentlessly seek all that is good in this world. Which person in history would you most like to meet? Saint Augustine, Bishop of Hippo. What or who is the greatest love in your life? My family, Jesus Christ… and my dog.
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