bath & wells: school of formation

anne ward

Anne Ward was born in Scotland in 1937 and was brought up in South Africa and Lancashire. She always wanted to teach and trained in Liverpool. Afterward she worked in Cumbria, subsequently taking a degree in Education.

In 1961 she married Philip, a nuclear physicist working at Sellafield and a Reader at St Bees Priory. In 1967 Philip applied for ordination. Along with Timothy, Rachel and Joanna, the family moved to Wells for training, and then to parishes in Bristol, Barrow in Furness and the Flyde coast of Lancashire, retiring back to Wells in 1998. At her husband’s insistence Anne became a Reader in Carlisle Diocese and it was this experience that led to her interest in lay training.

Taking a qualification in adult education and getting involved in both Central Readers Council and local diocesan Readers’ affairs led to her appointment as Director of Reader Training and Sub Warden for Blackburn Diocese.

Once retired and back in Wells, Anne offered to help in any way necessary and was licensed to the Cathedral. She now acts as chaplain for the congregation and has been involved with the diocesan Department of Ministry Development.

Philip’s untimely death soon after retirement meant Anne having more time to give, than might have been the case, and, since January 2005 she has been Acting Director of Reader Studies to allow space for Graham to concentrate on the new School of Formation project.

Hobbies such as rock climbing, horses and badminton have been tempered by age, to travel to exotic destinations, and a study of the history of Art. The demands of a number of lively grandchildren help keep her in touch with a new generation and her passion for relevant and adequate lay training for the Church remains undiminished.

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