Velma Oxley

Mrs Velma OXLEY, to be Assistant Curate (SSM) in the By Brook Benefice and in the parish of North Wraxall, Chippenham.

I gave my life to Jesus when I was eighteen, having left Wales and come to Bristol to train as a nurse. Homesick and buckling under the weight of a challenging job I was searching for meaning and belonging. I was invited to church where I met Jesus and so began my journey with him, and what a journey! I received great teaching and fellowship and my knowledge and love of God grew.

I also met my husband Richard, we settled in Bristol and our three beautiful children were born. We eventually moved to Wiltshire. The call by God into ordained ministry came in 2007. Three years before this I had been intending to return to nursing but my eldest child was killed in a road traffic accident.

Throughout my life, in the good times and the bad times, in times of happiness and struggle, God has never left my side. I am so grateful for this and for the love and support I have received from my family and my friends.