Norfolk “broad” Sarah offers a breathing space for the cure of souls

Reverend Sarah Tillett MA , FRSA

“The Broads truly is a ‘breathing space for the cure of souls’”: Norfolk naturalist Ted Ellis.

My childhood was spent in Norfolk mucking about on boats and riding naughty ponies,as well as a bit of education! I’m the second of five children and my sister is the head honcho; I’m next, and my three brothers trail in our wake! I describe myself as a `Norfolk Broad`.

I was introduced to the theatre, ballet and the arts by my artist grandmother. Her influence left me with a lifelong love of the arts. I have been a world traveller from the time I left school, beginning with a gap year by ship to South Africa in the height of apartheid to work with children from the Western township in Soweto.

After studying in Edinburgh, I moved to London to work with a company that organised trade exhibitions around the world.

It was in London that I had a very moving vision in a church following a sermon on the Samaritan woman at the well.

From that moment the focus of my life changed and I became a committed Christian. As a broadcaster and Communications Director with Radio Television Hong Kong I produced and presented arts programmes and outside concert broadcasts. I continued to broadcast when I later returned to the UK and was on the Churches Media Council for many years.

After two years as Youth and Childrens Director of St Andrews Church in Kowloon I moved to Regent University in Vancouver to study for an MA in Biblical Theology. Oxford in 2001 and was ordained in 2003 in the Birmingham Diocese. Following my Curacy in Knowle Parish Church I was appointed Priest in Charge of the Benefice of Bloxham in the Oxford Diocese. Together with my MP we founded the Bloxham Faith and Literature festival that has recently moved to the Winchester Diocese. Most recently, I served as Chaplain in the Diocese of Europe in Chantilly, France. I have been a Trustee of Tearfund and A Rocha and am passionate about Creation Care and Sustainable communities. I am excited to be returning to the Birmingham Diocese and looking forward to leading the mission of the churches of Coleshill and Maxstoke in the coming years.