THE STONE FAMILY 

Time for our annual round-up of news…

 

Alastair and Elspeth

​

The happiest moment of 2025 for us was getting engaged! I got down on one knee at the top of a mountain in Slovenia whilst we were on holiday in August. We were staying by the beautiful Lake Bohinj, and after a few days went over to Italy, staying in Belluno and Venice. Lots of gorgeous views and great food!

​

Other highlights this year included my FRCO award ceremony at Southwark Cathedral, Ripon Cathedral’s tour to sing at Westminster Abbey, as well as hosting and visiting friends across the country.

​

Elspeth has settled into her second year on the Civil Service Fast Stream, now working in York and enjoying the new post. She has also been appointed Co-Lead of the Fast Stream’s major schools outreach programme, which focuses more on her passion for improving access to opportunities for young people.

​

This year wasn’t without its challenges as El’s dad, Neil, passed away unexpectedly. Despite the circumstances, she continues to be an incredible support to her family during a really difficult time, and we’re glad to have things to look forward to over the coming year.

​

Best wishes from us for a very happy Christmas and a great 2026!

 

Tim and Charity

​​

2025 has been a busy but fruitful year – God’s been extremely kind to us and we’re grateful for what the last 12 months has brought. We’ve now been leading the Youth Ministry at Mosaic Church Coventry for just over 12 months. Charity is excelling being bivocational, working her full-time job as a Social Impact Analyst while pastoring in her spare time. Tim is now full-time on the church staff at Mosaic as Youth Pastor and Worship Coordinator.

​

Amongst all this, we’ve continued chipping away at our house renovation, helped to launch a new church in Leamington Spa, led our house group of young adults, and enjoyed trips to California, Singapore and Cambodia. While we were in Phnom Penh seeing Charity’s parents, we also celebrated a year of marriage and five years of being a couple!

​

In 2026 we’re looking forward to more time together, making our house even more of a home and continuing to walk alongside the youth of our church. We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year!

​

(Note from Tim: I always feel that I’m so privileged to be married to Charity and to do what I do! I also feel privileged that despite growing a mullet, Mum still talks to me.)

 

Buff

​

The best bits: Celebrating 25 years of being married to David. Time flies when you’re having fun! 

​

Running (getting to the finish line...) of the Stratford marathon and Race to the King Ultramarathon with my sister Hilary and friend Nikki – though they both beat me. 

​

Celebrating with family at nephew Dave and Kat’s wedding and spending holiday time in Northumberland. We just can’t stay away.

​

Having lots of folk visit us – do come! – it’s lovely by the seaside.

​

Seeing folk from my Medical School at our 40 year reunion. 

​

And Alastair’s engagement to Elspeth!

​

Best books: STILL How bad are bananas? by Mike Berners-Lee, Saving Us – A Climate Scientist Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World – Kathryn Hayhoe (and anything else by her...)

​

2026 Ambition: Helping to embed care of creation in all aspects of diocesan life. Expanding the veg planters. Running the Newport and Loch Ness marathons (I think we might be addicted.)

​

Biggest Challenge: Keeping steel-willed compassion in a divided and frightened world. See Dr Krish Kandiah Thought for the Day Radio 4 December 2nd.

​

And hope: ‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’ John 1.5

 

David

​

Most of the above – apart from the running, though I am often to be found as the tail walker at the East Brighton Parkrun.

​

Big changes in 2025 – I retired in the summer after four years at Brighton College and now live a life of indolence and leisure – or would do were it not for the extensive list of tasks that my beloved – she to whom I have had the joy of being married for a quarter of century – has dreamed up for me and is constantly revising.

​

I have the honour of presiding and preaching in one or other of Brighton’s churches most Sunday mornings – all the fun of being a vicar but with no admin or committees to worry about! – and continue to present a weekly service on Coventry’s Radio Plus.

​

Other than that, I am discovering the finer points of how to while away the time pottering and how to go to the gym without overdoing it…

 

With our love and best wishes as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, at Christmas and anticipate a New Year full of challenge and possibility,

​

David & Buff, Tim & Charity, Alastair & Elspeth