The next team member we meet in our two-minute interview is Mike Williams
Mike is our part of our diocesan property team working alongside Stephen Challenger and Sophie Mead. He is often seen out and about at churches and other properties across the diocese. Mike lives in Hereford. He is married, has two daughters and enjoys travelling. He is an enthusiastic sports fan and highly competitive amateur cricket player.
I: Hello Mike. Thanks for taking part of our 2-min interview series. First question we're keeping it simple - If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
MW: I’d love to explore more of Italy and the USA but can I cheat a little and say the Antipodes. I have relatives in Australia and it would be great to visit them and see where my ancestors set up home when they emigrated there back in the 1930s. The scenery and the outdoor lifestyle of both Australia and New Zealand would be wonderful to experience as would the opportunity to watch cricket at some world-famous test match grounds.
I: Brilliant, we knew you'd get the cricket in there somehow, Mike! So next question - What skill would you like to master?
MW: I’ve always wished that I had learnt to play a musical instrument. I had an opportunity at school but didn’t quite have the confidence to have a go. I’ve dabbled at learning a few chords on the guitar with very limited success and it’s something that I really need to have another go at.
I: There's certainly a common theme here, lots of colleagues have said they'd like to learn either a new language or an instrument. Perhaps we could form a multilingual orchestra?
MW: Now there's an idea for a staff fun day!
I: This question always throws up some interesting answers - What is your favourite film?”
MW: I would have to answer The Shawshank Redemption without hesitation. I know it’s a predictable answer but it’s a film I can enjoy over again and is a great story of triumph over adversity and the value of friendship. Paddington 2 is right up there as well though!!!
I: I'm a massive fan of the Paddington movies too. Who can resist the charms of the marmalade-eating bear? So, our final question is the one we ask everyone. What do you enjoy about working at Hereford Diocese?
MW: We are a small team in Property and there is a real connection between the work that we do and the impact it has for the Clergy we support. I find that really rewarding. It’s a privilege to work with my colleagues and to have the opportunity to travel through the stunning countryside of Herefordshire and South Shropshire with my work.