The University of Winchester has a new chaplain.
The Rev’d Vanessa Lawrence starts in the role officially at the beginning of November but has already made her presence felt on campus – presiding over the recent Welcome Week Eucharist Service at the University’s chapel.
For 18 years Vanessa was a member of the ministry team at the parish of Ampfield, Chilworth and North Baddesley and was Vicar of the parish from 2022.
Before her role as parish Vicar, Vanessa was Chaplain at Melbury Lodge, the mental health unit at Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, for 13 years.
Vanessa, who was born and brought up in Essex, trained to be a primary school teacher. She spent a brief time teaching before joining the church and was ordained in 2000.
Although she has loved her time as a parish priest, Vanessa, who is the mother of three grown-up sons, said she believed her true calling was to be a chaplain.
“I love chaplaincy because you can really focus on the people and what’s going in in their lives and support them in their faith journeys,” said Vanessa.
“A chaplaincy is a place of hospitality, inclusion and welcome. This is an inclusive space for everyone regardless of race, sexuality or ability.
“There is such a richness of diversity here. I’m looking forward to connecting with other faith communities.”
Dr Angus Paddison, Pro Vice-Chancellor, said of the appointment, ‘With her deep commitment to hospitality and her passion for engaging students we are very excited at the prospect of Vanessa’s leadership of the University’s Chaplaincy, which is renowned for the warmth of its welcome to all.’
Vanessa will be officially licensed at a service in the chapel on Monday 17 November.
She succeeds the Rev’d Canon Fiona Gibbs who has re-entered parish ministry as the Rector of Shedfield and Wickham in the Portsmouth Diocese.
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