SPOTLIGHT – REVD DAVID PRESCOTT
Revd David Prescott, takes the first 'Spotlight' in our new e-newsletter.
Having been a primary school teacher and Deputy Head before being ordained, it felt like a natural move for David to leave parish ministry and become a School Chaplain. This is his fourth year at Warminster. His previous career also included a stint as a tax inspector, as well as five years running his own business. In addition to his chaplaincy duties, David teaches Religious Studies, Philosophy and the Theory of Knowledge. A lifetime of supporting Birmingham City has failed to dampen his enthusiasm for sport, even if it has taught him little about football, and he counts converting his wife Susan from her family allegiance to Wolves as one of his greatest achievements.
What’s the best thing about your role?
The privilege of having the trust of so many different people, in so many different ways.
Describe a typical day?
In many ways it’s like any other teacher’s (busy!), except that it usually starts by my leading an assembly in either the Prep or the Senior School. I obviously have to spend time planning and preparing for services, but I also try to be available as a listening ear to both pupils and staff.
What do you think makes Warminster a special place to live and learn?
The quality of the relationships between all members of the community, from the youngest to the more experienced. It’s what makes the school transformative, as well as a very happy place to work.
What would surprise us about you?
I play Association Croquet off a handicap of 7. Actually, I suppose that’s quite a stereotypical thing for a priest to do!
As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
A vet. I think it was reading all of James Herriot’s books…
Your note/advice to teenage self?
You can’t please all of the people all of the time; the world won’t end if you disappoint somebody.
Biggest bugbear?
As a recovering pedant, I am trying to learn to live with the daily abuse suffered by the hapless apostrophe.
Favourite band/group?
I like loads of different kinds of music, but the band I’ve seen more than any other is U2. Their current Innocence & Experience Tour is their best show in years.
Guilty pleasure?
I try not to feel guilty about pleasure, but some people look at me strangely when I tell them that I like Game of Thrones…
If you were on Masterchef what would your signature dish be?
I enjoy cooking when I have time, but I don’t think that any of my food is fancy enough for Masterchef. I do a mean cooked breakfast.
Last book you read?
The last novel was “Lila” by Marilynne Robinson.
Last movie watched?
“Next goal wins” – a fantastic documentary that somehow doubles as a feel-good movie.
Favourite tipple?
Real ale. The rumours about communion wine are false and scurrilous.
Favorite place/city in the world and why?
It depends on my mood. I enjoy friends and music in Appledore, a little fishing and ship-building village in Devon where we still have a house, but if I had to choose one city it would be Paris, which I have loved since my teens.
Twitter or Facebook?
Twitter: there’s less “Here’s a photo of what I had for dinner” – on my feed, at least!