‘HELLO’ FROM THE HORNBYS!
After sixteen years in London, I (Matt) am looking forward to moving back
to the North West. I was born and raised in Lytham St Annes. If it wasn’t
for Cumbria, I wouldn’t exist; my parents were both keen hillwalkers and
met on coach trips to the Lake District. I remember several childhood
holidays in Cartmel and Grange. My mum still lives in Lytham St Annes,
one of my sisters is in Manchester, and Caroline’s parents and one of her
aunties live in Bolton.
I was baptised, brought up and confirmed in St Anne’s Parish Church. So
Christianity was something I grew up with and into. A major part of my
development as a Christian was when I was given a Bible and encouraged
to read it for myself. What I read in the Bible helped me to see that
Christianity was something to be received from Jesus, not something I
could earn myself.
I studied history at university, and still enjoy reading history books. I then
worked as an accountant for Deloitte, Ernst & Young and BP, and in lay
ministry for two churches in central London. I have also known
redundancy and unemployment. Three years at theological college have
taught me loads, but have also reminded me that ministry isn’t primarily
about knowing stuff, or doing things, but about helping people know
God’s love more. As well as reading history, I also enjoy reading detective
novels, walking, cycling, real ale, single malt whisky, and just about every
food other than eggs.
Caroline grew up in Zimbabwe and South Africa, but fell in love with England when she visited as a thirteen-year-old. She became a Christian on a
summer camp, aged sixteen. She has taught English and special needs in
state secondary schools, first in Johannesburg and then London. Caroline
loves ballet and Shakespeare, and also likes single malt whisky. We met
whilst working for a church in London, and were married in 2008. Our
children are Rachel (aged 2) and Thomas (5 months).