Kate grew up in the Reading area and met her husband-to-be, Paul, at Reading Youth Orchestra when they were teenagers (he plays the cello; Kate play violin and piano). Paul helped Kate to understand that she could have a personal relationship with Jesus, became a Christian at the age of 17 and was baptised. After Kate completed a maths degree at Warwick University, Paul and Kate were married. They moved to Calcot in 1996 and became members of Kennet Valley Free Church soon after.
Since then, Kate have been involved in church life in a number of ways: playing in the music group, leading services and prayer meetings, helping out at Coffee Club, supporting Christianity Explored courses and organising outreach events. Kate served on the Leadership Team as Treasurer from July 2013 to July 2019; then in October 2020, she was re-appointed to the Leadership, but this time with a focus on encouraging the church’s prayer life as Prayer Coordinator.
Paul and Kate have two boys, Thomas and William. Kate is currently a part-time finance administrator for Chrysalis Care, having previously worked for Thames Water (coinciding with Graham Challand for a time!) and Reading University.
One of her favourite verses is:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and He will show you the right way.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 Good News Translation
Paul wrote this verse in Kate’s first Bible when she became a Christian and it continues to bless her as she seeks to follow the Lord.