Who's who | Cockington Church

Who's who

Revd Preb Samantha Stayte

Samantha grew up in Torquay and received her secondary education at the Torquay Girls’ Grammar School. She earned her undergraduate degree and MPhil in Theology from the University of Oxford and prepared for ordained ministry at Westcott House, Cambridge.

Following university, Samantha taught Religious Studies at schools in Canterbury and Oxford and ministered as a lay school chaplain before responding to a call to priesthood. She served her training curacy in Oxford and moved to her present North Devon benefice in 2017. Last year, Samantha was appointed additionally as Dean of Women in Ministry for the Diocese of Exeter and as an honorary Prebendary of Exeter Cathedral.

Vicarage phone: 01803 607709

To email the Vicar please click here

(Vicar’s rest day normally Friday)

Revd Paul Evans

"When I moved to Devon, over thirty years ago, I brought my young family to our new home in Cockington parish, where we have worshipped ever since. We appreciated how lucky we are to live in glorious Devon.

After a long career as a geography teacher, I returned to the classroom, to study for the ordained ministry. Hard work, the degree course opened my eyes to the richness of God’s loving plan for His creation. Ordained in 2014, I have been thrilled to be able to serve exclusively in Cockington parish.

I am married to Tracey, and together we enjoy walking on the coast path and in Dartmoor. We occasionally manage to see son Matthew and his young family in Yorkshire."

Revd Chris Clements

"Life in all its many facets has been a rollercoaster ride – often scary, sometimes heartbreaking, but mostly exhilarating!

I initially worked for the Civil Service then latterly as a

Training and Development Manager for a Police Force. Got married, had two wonderful sons then sadly eventually got divorced. Pitched up in the South West following the breakdown of my marriage, running to the very tip of Cornwall where I encountered love, support and encouragement from so many, not least my local Church

I was Ordained Deacon in June 2002, priested 2003. During ordination training, in 2000, I spent a term at the Theological College of the United Church of Zambia, which shaped my life and ministry beyond telling; once more my life was turned upside down, but in a wonderful way. In 2004 I moved to serve in UCZ as a local Minister with 5 Churches in the bush in Eastern Presbytery, near the Malawian border.

Although I physically returned to the UK, due to family illness, part of my heart remained and still lives in Zambia! Prior to Covid I went ‘home’ each year and continue to fundraise to support many projects and orphans, whom I know as family.

Licensed as Team Rector for Thamesmead in Outer London in the Diocese of Southwark – another huge but fantastic challenge in a part of the capital which struggles with so much deprivation.

Retired and returned to St. Ives in Cornwall, with Permission to Officiate (PTO). Moved to Torbay and, with PTO, am now happily esconced in the Parish of Cockington with Chelston, Torquay – still talking too much, albeit slightly slower. As enthusiastic as ever for the things of God and His people, seeking to share God’s truth in both Church and community through action and word."

Revd Ruth Beckett - curate

"I have been training as a curate at Preston, St Paul’s and Christ Church, Paignton since being ordained as a Deacon in September 2022. My training incumbent (T.I.) left to take up a new post in London last summer and I have been a ‘curate in vacancy’ since then. My two congregations have been very supportive and encouraging and I love them. However, I would now benefit from learning from a new T.I. to gain the skills needed for churches I lead in the future to flourish.

I’m originally from the North-West, moving south to read maths at Bristol University and then working with computers before qualifying as a maths teacher. I met my husband, John, at Bristol. He trained as a vet and we both worked in Devon and had two sons before John sensed God calling him to ordination. We studied at Trinity College, Bristol and then lived for four years in Harrogate where John was curate and I was licensed as a Reader. In 2004 we ministered in a benefice of ten rural villages in the Cotswolds, before moving to St Matthias Church, Torquay in 2014. Our sons also now live in the South West.

In my time off, in addition to family pursuits, I read and belong to a book club and I love cooking and crafting, particularly quilting. More active hobbies include walking on Dartmoor and you may see me around on my e-bike! We enjoy taking time off too in a camper van.

I have always believed passionately that God gives gifts and calls all Christians to ministry. I thought lay ministry was that call and was surprised and delighted to be subsequently called to ordination. I am thrilled that I will be joining your community and I look forward to meeting you, worshipping with you and learning from you."

Lay Minister - Vicki Osborne

Church Warden - Mo Ashcroft

Head of Music - Stephen Royle

PCC Chairman/Treasurer - Ron Ashcroft

PCC Secretary - Patricia Steel