I have been asked to write a little about myself, a potted history of Andrew, if you will, to mark the occasion of my arrival in London. I am currently aged 24 years. I was born at Littlethorpe, near Easington Village, County Durham in April 1986 and have lived in Shotton Colliery until now. I started Shotton Primary School in 1990, in Miss Green’s class, until 1997 when I moved on to Wellfield Comprehensive School at Wingate. In 2004 I started my studies at Sunderland University, studying a history and geography. I particularly enjoyed studying the history of the north-east, mostly coal-mining and the developments of coal-mining areas. I even joined the French class as extra to try and learn a little French, and also studied an extra module looking at the development of housing in coal mining villages.
I didn’t do much else structured for the rest of 2007. I spent quite a lot of my time researching my family history, and I studied a short course at Durham Library which looked at the history and development of Durham City, which I found quite fascinating. By this time, I was also a Steward at Durham Cathedral, having started volunteering there. Then in late 2008 I started a job as a counter clerk in Shotton Post Office.
In the meantime I had been attending St. Saviour’s, Shotton Colliery, I joined the choir, and was finally confirmed on Sunday 5th December, 2004. I became a member of the PCC, a member of the Easington Deanery Synod, and last year completed a 3 year stretch as a member of the Durham Diocesan Synod.
My favourite hymns include At The Name of Jesus, Every Knee Shall Bow (sung to the tune Camberwell), Dear Lord and Father of Mankind, O Jesus I have Promised and For All the Saints Who From Their Labours Rest, amongst many others. My favourite piece of scripture is Psalm 139, and my favourite story from the gospels is the temptation of Christ as it comforts me to know that he too was tempted.
My hobbies range from reading, watching television, films, socialising with friends, to walking, letter writing, cooking and gardening.
My favourite books include To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, and English Journey by J. B. Priestly, as well as a good autobiography or a murder mystery. I like a drink of tea, and a biscuit or piece of cake, my favourite pop is dandelion and burdock, and my favourite meal is Yorkshire pudding, mashed potato and vegetables, with mince and gravy (most likely because my dad’s mam cooked that every Tuesday for tea when I was younger). I also have a fondness for corned beef pie, ham and pease pudding and sweets!
In March this year, I received a telephone call from the Diocesan Director of Ordinations, Reverend Richard Collins, as he wanted to chat. We have been meeting for some time to speak about my faith, and to explore a ministry in the church and whether I could have one. I am not quite certain yet – the answer doesn’t seem to be as clear as one would wish for! He recommended for me to try a placement at a church, so here I am.
I am still apprehensive about leaving my native county after spending my whole life there, coming from a long line of County Durham Crawfords, but am beginning to look forward to the idea of being able to look around the sights of London. Having studying history, I’ve learned a lot of things that took place in London, and look forward to seeing some of the places, museums and art galleries. I shall be thinking of and missing all my family and friends back home, at the same time as looking forward to making new friends and acquaintances.
