Story & Vision

St Peter’s Norbiton, has a long history of worshipping God and expressing His love. In recent years, we became particularly known for our work with those suffering from homelessness. The previous vicar, Revd Peter Holmes, welcomed them in for meals, provided accommodation through founding the Joel Community Project, and helped set up Kingston Churches Action on Homlessness (KCAH), before he tragically died of Covid in April 2020.

On 1st September 2021, St Peter’s began a fresh chapter with the arrival of a new vicar, Revd Hugo Foxwood. Hugo was the curate at St Stephen’s Twickenham, where he took a particular interest in teaching God’s Word, encouraging the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and leading the ministry with the homeless and the vulnerable. He is married to Naomi, who works for Tearfund in advocacy for some of the poorest in our world. They have two children, Bibi and Isaac.

As a young man, Hugo worked with former Triad gangsters in Hong Kong, at a drug rehab centre founded by the famous missionary Jackie Pullinger, author of Chasing the Dragon. He writes: “When I was in Hong Kong I saw the healing and fulfilment that can come from finding a sense of purpose and security in God. My hope is that many will similarly experience God through St Peter’s, finding the refreshment, joy, and life that the Holy Spirit brings.”

As for vision, Hugo says “We’re going to be doing lots of listening and praying before St Peter’s decides on our new vision. But one thing that’s bound to characterise it is a practical concern for the vulnerable, building on the profound legacy of Revd Peter Holmes, who did so much in expressing God’s concern for the homeless and the marginalised.”