Meet the team interviews... - Diocese of Hereford

Get to know...Lorna Theopilus

Lorna is a member of the Property team. She joined the diocese in 2021. Previously she worked in the charity sector as a Property Project Manager. Lorna is married and lives with her husband, three primary-aged children, and a cat on the edge of Gloucestershire, not far from the Herefordshire border. She is an active member of her church community and Chair of Governors at her local primary school. In her spare time, Lorna enjoys reading and Zumba.

Get to know...Mike Williams

Mike is part of our diocesan property team and is often seen out and about at Churches and 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.

Get to know...Sophie Mead

Sophie is a well-known face in the diocese she has worked in our Property Team since 2012 supporting clergy and other church officers with their day-to-day queries on the running and maintenance of buildings and homes. Sophie is a true Herefordian born and bred in the county.

Get to know...Mark Harrington

Mark joined the team in September 2019 and works in our Education Team supporting Church schools and others across the diocese. In his spare time, Mark is a Christian Magician using magic tricks to help bring Bible stories to life. You can catch some of his work in the videos from our Education Team.

Get to know...Rev'd Neil Patterson

Neil is presently acting Bishop's Chaplain whilst Bishop Richard recruits the permanent role.Â Neil has been working for the diocese for many years as the Director of and is a well known face at General Synod.

Get to know...Stephen Challenger

Stephen has been our Property Secretary since 2006. He has two grown-up children who have followed their fatherâ€™s footsteps into the music departments of English Cathedrals.

Get to know...Joanne Gibbon

Joanne lives in the beautiful Shropshire Hills. She has worked for the Diocese of Hereford for more than 12 years as PA to various people. Currently, she is a PA to the Archdeacon of Ludlow and the Diocesan Secretary.

Get to know...Sarah Basset

Sarah has been our office administrator for 34 years. If you visit the diocesan office in Hereford, Sarah is one of the first people you meet at reception. She always greets you with her lovely smile and a warm welcome.

Get to know...Fiona Gibson

The Venerable Fiona Gibson has been Archdeacon of Ludlow since late April 2021. Alongside her statutory responsibilities as an archdeacon, which include church buildings, clergy recruitment, and clergy and parish support, she chairs the Hereford Diocesan Board of Education and focuses on mission and clergy wellbeing.

Get to Know Stephen Herbert

Stephen has been our diocesan Finance Director since 2015. Before that, he gained broad finance experience in the UK and overseas in roles with several multinational companies.