Meet the Team
Vicar: The Rev'd Dr James Lawson
Father James studied history and theology at the University of Edinburgh, and went on to do a doctorate at New College Oxford, where he studied St Augustine’s reconfiguration of the Platonic ascent of the soul in the City of God. He trained for the priesthood at Mirfield and served his title at All Saints, Poplar in the East End of London.
He was Chaplain and Fellow of Corpus Christi College Cambridge, and then Senior Chaplain and Press Officer to the Bishop of Salisbury. He then served as Vicar of St Michael and All Angels, Stoke Newington Common in Hackney and Vice Principal and Charles Marriott Director of Pastoral Studies at St Stephen's House in Oxford.
He is married to Nana who is a psychologist.
Church Warden: Elizabeth Ranson
Hi I am Elizabeth.
I have recently been appointed as a Churchwarden in this wonderful and beautiful Church.
I have been attending St Mary Magdalene Church for over 20 years and feel blessed to be a member. This later led to me becoming one of the servers in Church which I was doing for a few years.
My work was as a Nurse Specialist in hospitals and within the community for many years before my retirement.
Two of my children were married in this beautiful Church and I feel privileged to be able to serve as a Churchwarden.
Although my children live away from Enfield, they do try to attend here at St Mary Magdalene whenever possible and always feel at home. They say it always feels so welcoming.
My interests include travel, outings, reading and spending time with friends and family.
Church Warden: Joy Heywood
Hello, I am Joy and I have been worshipping at St. Mary Magdalene’s since 1994 when, after a rather varied spiritual journey, I decided to come to an Advent Sunday service and found a friendly and welcoming community of Christian people who were truly inclusive of everyone.
I was soon found roles to take on within the church and there were lots of social activities, too. I learned bellringing here and took part in many drama productions. My life in the church supported me in my work as a teacher and also through family crises and bereavements.
The church building is beautiful and inspiring and I feel that it is a place of prayerful connection with the generations who have worshipped here before us.
I have made firm friends here and I regard the people of St. Mary Magdalene’s as my church family and it is my privilege now to serve as Churchwarden.
Director of Music: Manav Paul
Manav Paul recently graduated with a BA in Music from Christ's College, Cambridge, where he also held a choral scholarship. Alongside this, he held an organ scholarship at Homerton College, which involved accompanying and conducting the choir. During his time at university, he was conductor and treasurer for Christ’s College Music Society. Going forward, Manav is looking to embark on a career as a freelance organist, conductor, and singer. He greatly looks forward to taking up the role of Organist and Director of Music at St Mary Magdalene.
Manav's other interests include jazz piano and saxophone, having played both in and directed the Cambridge University Jazz Orchestra.
The Parochial Church Council
The PCC members, or Trustees, are listed along with the year they were elected. PCC members serve for 3 years.
2022
Dave Cockle
Ann Rolland
2023
Ken Cope
Anneliese Fenwick
Sophie Lodato
Katie Smart
2024
Jean McDonald
Joyce Kiddy
Michael Smith
Joy Heywood
Co-opted 2024
David Bird
Various areas of responsibility within the Church
Vice-Chair:
Anneliese Fenwick
Secretary:
Sally Elphick
Treasurer:
Ken Cope
Electoral Roll Officer:
Paul Reeve
Fabric Officer:
David Bird
Stewardship Recorder:
Sophie Lodato
Assistant Stewardship Recorder:
Paul Reeve
Archivist:
Joy Heywood
IT/Web Coordinator:
Ken Cope
Hall Administrator:
Sally Elphick
Children’s Champion:
Alison Reeve/Alison Ludlam
Church Safeguarding Officer:
David Bird
Christian Aid Representative:
Alison Reeve
Charities Champion:
Judy Smith
Events Co-ordinator:
Judy Smith
GDPR and Data Protection:
Aniru Shyllon
