SPOTLIGHT – BECKY AYERS-HARRIS
The Spotlight falls on our Chaplain, Becky Ayers-Harris.
Becky has been a teacher for half of her life and a priest since 2004 – in London, Hereford and Dorset. She was born in India, but the West Country is home. She has been a school Chaplain for ten years before arriving at Warminster. Becky is also Head of Religious Studies and a teacher of Geography – so her days at Warminster can be quite varied! She also has a liking for horses, dogs and Walnut Whips.
How long have you worked at Warminster?
Since September 2018.
What’s the best thing about your role?
Meeting so many people and being able to be enthusiastic about faith, R.S. and Geography.
What is your favourite service to take and why?
Both Christmas and Easter are really important, but are really the beginning and end (and new beginning) of the same celebration (God becoming part of who we are) so can I be greedy and have both?!
The poignant Remembrance Service we held with the Minster Church was moving. It meant much to our OV and school community. What did it personally mean to you?
In order to live the future with integrity we must remember the past. That’s especially important within a community like Warminster School remembering 100 years since the Armistice. Remembrance is not always easy, but it is incredibly important. That’s why it seemed fitting to commemorate with the congregation of St Denys.
Describe a typical day?
I’m out of the house by 6.30 am to walk the dog (Professor Moriarty) and ride my horse, (Sid) before coming to school. The journey is across Mere Down where I might see Red Kites and see the sun rise at this time of year. It’s absolutely beautiful. Once I arrive, anything could happen! I might be teaching about volcanoes and rivers, or the ethics of Immanuel Kant. I will definitely meet up with different pupils and staff and hear about their day too. It is always a privilege.
What do you think makes Warminster a special place to live and learn?
Definitely the people. Both staff and pupils.
What would surprise us about you?
I own and drive three horse-drawn carriages. Two are modern and one is a restoration project circa 1860 from France.
I also (have to) support West Ham.
What other Warminster role would you like to try for a day and why?
I’d like to be one of the grounds staff – gardening in particular. They always keep the grounds immaculate and have beautiful borders and flower beds.
Failing that, I’d love to be an assistant in the Art Department. I don’t mind washing pots and brushes as long as I can see how the creativity starts!
As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
Either to travel the world or to have a huge farmhouse filled with children and animals.
What did your school reports say about you?
I really can’t remember! It’s too long ago!
Your note/advice to teenage self?
Make the most of the journey and live every moment.
Your mantra/motto or favourite quote?
Love God, and Love your neighbour as yourself.
Hidden ambitions still to achieve?
To visit the place I was born – Mussorie, Northern India.
A favourite possession you would save from a fire?
I think it’s the living things – pets – that would be my first worry.
Biggest bugbear?
Coffee and baths have to be scalding hot. Warm or cold is a definite no-no.
Favourite musician/group?
Caro Emerald.
Guilty pleasure?
Walnut Whips.
MasterChef signature dish?
It’s not exactly Masterchef, but I cook a good cottage pie.
Favourite TV programme?
Shetland (crime drama).
Last book you read?
Mary Beard, ‘Women and Power’.
Last movie watched?
First Man.
Which actor would play you in a movie about your life?
I have been told by colleagues that it should be Carey Mulligan!
Favourite tipple?
Whisky.
Favorite place/city in the world and why?
Home.
Twitter or Facebook?
Facebook.