Headlines
The College's New Chaplain, Diane Evans
New Chaplain's Experience Embraces Theology, Batman and Singing in the Rain
18th August 2009
Diane Evans, from Bishopswood, near Ross-on-Wye, has been appointed as the College’s new Chaplain in succession to Preb. Mike Vockins, who retired in July.
Commenting on her appointment, Diane said “I’m thrilled to be joining the College in this capacity. Working with 1600 students is going to be an exciting challenge, but it’s one I’m really looking forward to. Working with young people is fulfilling and often inspiring”, she said and, conscious that the College has around 190 members of Staff, she added “and of course I’m also looking forward to working alongside my new colleagues and offering a ministry to them too. It will be good to draw on my theological knowledge and experience, and also to build on my earlier experience working with young people in the post-16 sphere.”
From 1990 to 2001 Diane was a member of staff and a part-time tutor at Wimbledon School of Art. Subsequently she studied Applied Theology at the University of Gloucester’s Redcliffe College, gaining a first-class honours degree.
Diane hails from Canada. She was born in Leamington, Ontario, where she grew up. After schooling locally, she gained her first degree, in Fashion Design, in Toronto, before coming to England in 1982.
Her work as a theatrical costumier saw her making costumes for the Stratford Festival Theatre, National Ballet of Canada, the Royal Opera House and the London Contemporary Dance Theatre. Diane also worked on West End stage shows like Singing in the Rain and 42nd Street as well as making costumes for the TV series Poirot, and worked also on films such as The Young Sherlock Holmes, Supergirl and Batman.
Alongside her ecumenical chaplaincy role at College – where she will serve as Chaplain to students of all faiths and those of none – Diane hopes she might be able to offer this wider theatrical and textiles experience as a way of linking up with students on different levels.
Diane is married to Tony, and they have two daughters, Hannah (17) and Amy (15). She is currently Churchwarden at All Saints, Bishopswood where the family worships together regularly.