Rector: Rev. J. Malcolm Acheson, M.A.

I was brought up on a fruit farm in Herefordshire, and studied classics and philosophy at Oxford University (Brasenose College). After gaining some accountancy experience I managed the family farm for ten years, then trained for the ministry at Salisbury & Wells Theological College.

I was ordained at St Paul's Cathedral in 1985 and served as Assistant Curate of St Michael's Church, Highgate (North London) for three years. Then I became Team Vicar in the Tisbury Team Ministry, south Wiltshire, with responsibility for the parishes of Hindon with Chicklade and Pertwood, Chilmark, and Fonthill Bishop with Berwick St Leonard.

I have been Rector of Storrington since 1994. I am married to Pauline, a former teacher at Lancing College, who now offers private tuition in French, Russian, piano, flute and singing. We have a son, Joseph, who is a composer, radio editor, and occasional organist at St Mary's.
 
Hon. Assistant Priest: Rev. Roger Watts

It is a privilege to be a part of the ministry team at St. Mary’s Church.  I assist Malcolm, the Churchwardens and congregation in all the many ways in which we try to serve Storrington community through our parish pastoral work, involvement in organizations and our schools.  St. Mary’s is a strong focus of worship and faith for our area.


Mavis and I met at our local church and we were married in 1963.  We have two sons, David and Christopher.  David lives in Kent and Christopher, who is brain damaged and has special needs, lives in a caring community near Arundel.

For twenty-five years my working life was in the building industry, employed in an architectural practice based largely in the City. Later I joined a stock-broking partnership looking after their property.  Mavis and David supported me when I was selected for training with the Southwark Ordination Course (now the SEITE Course) studying during evenings and weekends, whilst continuing to work.  Ordained in 1988 at Southwark Cathedral I served my title in Belmont, Sutton (S.W. London), and in 1992 was appointed to the Parish of Godstone and South Godstone.   Later, the Parish of Blindley Heath joined to form a United Benefice.  So for some seventeen years I was responsible for two and then three churches and a C of E primary school, enjoying working in all aspects of church and village life.


So the time came to retire and take the step into part-time ministry and it has been good for us to come to St. Mary’s where we have found, as many others have, a strong, open and faithful community.  We both feel very much welcomed and at home here.
 
Rev. Rupert Toovey

The Revd. Rupert Toovey is a full-time auctioneer and valuer as well as being our Honorary  Assistant Curate in this parish. Although his available time is limited, he is glad to visit parishioners especially families with children. To arrange this, please telephone him on (01903) 740466.