Profile - Dave Bell
I am Dave Bell, a Non-Stipendiary Curate at St James' Church, New Bradwell. I joined St James in October 2008 after my Ordination as Deacon in Oxford Cathedral, a year later I was ordained Priest. I am married to Kath and have three children, Saskia, Lydia and Tim. I am a full time teacher at Chesham Prep School, where I am the Head of Geography but also teach games and some history.
I am originally from Liverpool. Born in Broad Green Hospital in 1957. My father worked for Tate and Lyle and when only a few months old, we moved to Cardiff because of his job. This is where I spent my formative years, up to the age of seventeen. During this time I went to the local Ely Methodist Church and was a member of the Sunday School - although I cannot remember much of my mum and dad attending. It was at this time, round about the age of sixteen, that I went to a Christian rock concert with a group from the church. On that evening, I had what could only be described as a spiritual awakening and this was the start of a journey with Christ. We moved to Weston-Super-Mare and I continued my education there, here I decided upon a career as a teacher.
I trained as a PE teacher at Bishop Otter College in Chichester. My first job after teacher training at Windlesham House in Sussex, during this time I met Kath and eventually I went onto teach in Amersham. During this time I was a Head of PE and Games. I have always enjoyed the teaching of gymnastics but my main sport has always been hockey, which I have played and coached for many years. We attended Emmanuel Church, Chesham, where our faith continued to grow and flourish. After moving from Chesham as a family in 2000 we arrived in Milton Keynes and attended St Mary's Church, Shenley Church End.
Whilst in Milton Keynes, I began to investigate my calling into the ministry. This had been a 'nagging' idea which I eventually got round to explore. After my selection I trained for three years part time on the Oxford Ministry Course. I really enjoy my ministry; I also enjoy the cross over between ministry and my work. Sport has always been a passion in my life, although not playing competitive hockey anymore, I enjoy going to the gym. Tim and I are season ticket holders at the MK Dons but also watch the basketball and ice hockey occasionally in MK. None of this journey would have been possible without the support of all my family and we look forward to continuing our work with Chris and all at St James.