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."
Lay Minister - Vicki Osborne
Church Warden - Mo Ashcroft
Head of Music - Stephen Royle
PCC Chairman/Treasurer - Ron Ashcroft
PCC Secretary - Patricia Steel