The Reverend Tobie Osmond

Vicar of Taunton Minster

Tobie has been in ministry for over 20 years. He started here in Taunton, then has spent time in Bath, Toronto and Wells. He is now the Vicar of Taunton Minster and St John’s Taunton.

He has always had a heart for the people on the fringes, “it is here that we live out the life and work of Jesus, and it is being with and supporting these people that we get to share the love of God at its fullest.”

Tobie is an avid skier (five years skiing with the Canadian Ski Patrol), he trains people in advanced riding on motorbikes for RoSPA. He is married with three step children, loves dogs (2 Labs, one black one chocolate, and 1 Cockapoo), loves reading and movies, and the occasional gin.

Contact: [email protected]

The Reverend Jamie Fox

Curate

I grew up in Somerset before going to university to study Modern Languages. Later I moved to London to train to be a solicitor and worked in the law for 17 years, mostly in the public sector. I’m married to Beccy and we moved to Taunton in 2010. We have three children, Lucy, Anna and Thomas. I trained for the ordained ministry at St Mellitus College, Plymouth and, as part of my ordination training, served a placement at All Saints, Trull. My curacy began at Taunton Minster in July 2022 and I was ordained deacon on 2 October 2022 at Wells Cathedral. On 24 June 2023 I was ordained priest at Taunton Minster.

I enjoy looking after our garden, running, walking and generally any other way of getting into nature!

Contact: [email protected]

The Reverend Louise Bale

Curate

I became Assistant Curate in the benefice at the end of September 2020, when I was ordained Deacon.

I trained for ordination at Sarum College, Salisbury, on a three-year course combined with working part-time as a Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages in Somerset. Prior to coming to Somerset, I worked in Bristol (my home city) in the City Council’s education department – recruiting, training and supporting volunteer school governors for over 12 years. And before having a family I worked for many years in product development in the fine wine and alcoholic drinks industry.

I am married to Simon (also a Rev); we have two sons and one granddaughter.

Contact: [email protected]

Margaret Laver

Minster Administrator

Margaret can be found in the Benefice Office Tuesday to Friday each week, usually between 9am and 1pm. She oversees the Minster’s administration and as a long time member of the church is a fount of knowledge and long experience.

Contact: [email protected]

Valerie Gaskell

Churchwarden

Churchwardens are officers of the Bishop, chief representatives of the congregation and volunteers working closely with our Vicar to enable us to deliver on our ministry and mission.

Their responsibilities include various aspects of administration, operations and personnel. Valerie is particularly involved with congregational community matters, coordinates our welcome team and enables many administrative tasks.

Contact: Valerie.

Lesley Ann Webb

Churchwarden

Churchwardens are officers of the Bishop, chief representatives of the congregation and volunteers working closely with our Vicar to enable us to deliver on our ministry and mission. Their responsibilities include various aspects of administration, operations and personnel.

I worked for 38 years for Taunton Deane Borough Council. I became Development Manager, then Housing Enabling and Regeneration Lead. In the last 8 years of my service I managed to bring about the delivery of over 1,000 Affordable New Homes in Taunton Deane. I enjoy spending any spare time I have using my talents of sewing and embroidering. I have three beautiful daughters, two wonderful granddaughters, four talented grandsons and an amazing Great Granddaughter, Florence.

Contact: Lesley.

Miles Quick

Director of Music

I have been Director of Music at Taunton Minster since 2011.

I was born in Taunton and studied music at Durham University and the Royal Academy of Music. I then worked in London at Merchant Taylors’ School and Westminster Abbey, and then for sixteen years in Norfolk at Norwich School. Returning to my Somerset roots, I was Director of Music at Queen’s College, Taunton from 2007 to 2014. Following this, I became Head of Congregational and Instrumental Music at the Royal School of Church Music. In this role I ran workshops and events all over the UK and further afield for six years, and now continue as an RSCM tutor and consultant.

Contact: [email protected]

Duncan Withers

Minster Verger

Duncan joined the staff as verger in October 2021. This is a pioneering position to establish the ministry of verging as St Mary Magdalene church transitions into the new Taunton Minster. His work covers many practical aspects of the Minster’s operational life. He is invloved with service & event planning, fabric oversight, health & safety, building custody, maintenance & compliance, cleaning & presentation, welcoming, website development, sound, light & streaming and more.

Prior to coming to Taunton, and over a period of thirty years, he was Head Verger at Sherborne Abbey and several cathedrals, including seven years as Dean’s Verger at the Episcopal Cathedral in Denver, Colorado. He is married to Linsley and their daughter also lives in Taunton. When not at the Minster he dotes over the family’s Romanian rescue dog, Bella—she’s a peach!

Contact: [email protected]