Who's who

Vicar - Fr Michael Selby

Originally from Manchester, via The Midlands, I arrived in London in 1980 for my first teaching post in Pinner. I began work as a freelance classical musician in 1987, travelling the world, its concert venues and Opera Houses, before singing full time with English National Opera for 17 years. I have been involved in the Church for as long as I can remember, singing in choirs, and for many years was a Licensed Lay Minister, Reader, at St Mary’s, Harrow on the Hill. After two years training at Ripon College, Cuddesden, I served my title post at St Peter’s Church Ealing and now with my partner Neil, also an opera singer, our cat Hamish and dog Ruairi, I have come to Ruislip Manor to be the vicar. My hobbies include gardening, DIY and playing the piano.

Assistant Curate - Mthr Ann Clarridge

I have not travelled very far being born and brought up in Greenford and now living in Ickenham.  I attended Holy Cross Church from the age of eight and apart from a brief spell attending Greenford Gospel Hall as a teenager, I have been a member of and attended, the Church of England.

On leaving school, I qualified as a Nurse and became a District Nurse working for Ealing Health Authority and then moved into teaching Nursing at London Southbank University.

I am married to Roy and we have three sons and four grandchildren plus a step grandson and one fostered granddaughter and her three children, making us great grandparents!

I was Ordained in 2004 and since then served my Title at St Michael and St George, White City and three subsequent posts as Assistant Curate at St Augustine: Whitton, Holy Trinity: Northwood and St Laurence: Cowley.  

My title of SSM means that I am a Self Supporting Minister – I do not receive a stipend for the work I do having already had a full working career in Nursing.

Hobbies: time spent with the family; not really a hobby more a delight and a joy, time spent in the garden; again not really a hobby more a time of delight and a joy.  Roy is very into Athletics – a onetime cross country coach and so we both enjoy running or perhaps I should say, jogging more these days.  I trained as a Spiritual guide which means accompanying people on their spiritual journey of faith and when Covid restrictions are lifted will continue my classes in Sacred dance – these also bring me delight and joy.

I am delighted to be given the opportunity to join Fr Michael and Shanti in the ministry at St Paul, Ruislip Manor and look forward to getting to know you all.

Licensed Lay Reader - Shanti Jayasekera

I was born in Sri Lanka on 4^th March 1954 and came to England with my parents in 1968.  In 1971 at the age of 17, I went into banking and served in various Financial Institutions.  I am married to Gita and we have been blessed to have two sons, Jehan and Chanaka. They attended school at St. John’s, Stanmore and Bishop Ramsey, Ruislip.  My youngest son, Chanaka, is married to Katie and we have two granddaughters named Freya and Erin and a grandson named Theo.

My calling to become a Licensed Lay Minister came a few years back, through God’s calling, and much encouragement from various members of clergy, parishioners & family,  culminated in me going to theological college at St. Mellitus, London to study and qualify.  I am delighted and look forward to serving this Parish and community in Ruislip Manor, to enrich the lives of many of God’s love for each other through my ministry and prayer.        

My hobbies include listening to classical music and playing the violin, reading, walking and spending time with my granddaughters, grandson & family,  but my main passion is watching a game of cricket these days at Lord’s Cricket Ground and supporting Middlesex County Cricket Club.

Churchwarden - Nicky Fantham

Having spent my childhood in Hertfordshire, I moved to Ruislip in 1981 when I married Paul.  After raising our 3 children, I joined a local school as Exams Officer where I remained until 2021 when I retired. This coincided with me leaving St. Mary’s and coming to St. Paul’s as I felt that I needed to restore my faith. From the first Sunday I walked into this church I felt welcomed and at home.

Over many years I have been involved in girlguiding and now enjoy spending time with our extended family of 5 grandchildren and also singing in a local a cappella group.

 I look forward to supporting both the clergy and people of the parish.