Yes, we have a new worker in our church team!  Rhiannon Vallally has a year’s placement through the YES “You Equipped to Serve” Scheme.  Rhiannon is full of enthusiasm and vitality and is looking forward to participating in all our church groups for whatever ages.

 

Her father, an Armenian, born in India, moved to England when he was 15.  He met Rhiannon’s mother, whose parents were Irish, in London, through Air Cadets.  They married and lived in New Ash Green, Kent, later moving to Horsham where Rhiannon was born on 7th February 1991, her brother’s second birthday.

 

When Rhiannon was seven years old, her mother’s mother died.  The family started going to St Margaret’s Church, Warnham, and Rhiannon joined the choir.  She soon chose to be baptised; and was later confirmed at St Mary’s Church, Horsham by Bishop Lindsay.

 

At Millais Girls’ School in Horsham, Rhiannon enjoyed Drama, Maths and Languages:  French, German and Italian.  There were about 300 girls in each year; in her final year she was voted the most popular girl.  She went on to Collyers College, Horsham, where she took Chemistry, Biology and Double Maths at A-Level. At first intending to become a Doctor, Rhiannon then considered being a helicopter pilot.  She is keeping her options open.

 

Rhiannon achieved Grade 6 in Ballet and Modern Dance and began a teaching grade.  She plays badminton, and was a member of her college rugby team.  Unfortunately the county rugby team practises and plays on Sunday mornings, when Rhiannon opts to be in church.

 

Having joined Sea Cadets when she was 14, Rhiannon has proficiencies in kayaking, sailing and shooting, becoming the Sea Cadets South of England shooting champion earlier this year (2009).  Now 18 and a leader, she cannot enter again.  As a leader, she finds it very rewarding to see how the new cadets mature into confident, sensible adults.

 

St Margaret’s Church has staged a pantomime each February, for the past five years, written by the Vicar (John, please note!).  Part of the proceeds help fund the YES Scheme.  Rhiannon has participated in all five, playing Cinderella last year and, this year, the Fairy Godmother in Sleeping Beauty.

 

Also for the past five years, Rhiannon has been to Diocesan Youth Camps, which has YES Scheme helpers.  At last year’s summer camp she met her boyfriend, Ed.  Each summer camp ends with a YES Scheme presentation:  always ready for a challenge, Rhiannon decided that it would be the ideal way to use a gap year.

It’s looking good.  Yes!