About

My name is Steph and I’m an Ordinand- that’s a posh word for a trainee priest if you’re feeling baffled! I moved to Chester in autumn 2013 to study Theology and Religious at the University of Chester, which I completed in summer 2016, Summer 2016 was also when I found out the Church of England had recommended me for training as a Priest (discerning to train as a Priest whilst doing your finals is not for the faint hearted).


 I was lucky enough to be surrounded by supportive friends which has allowed me to do all that God intends for me, however tough it may be. I am engaged to a wonderful man named Harry who is my rock and co-blogging  photographer.


When not training/visiting family&friends/blogging/spending time with God I enjoy cooking, making clothes, exercising and the odd glass of wine. I have a very busy life but that is the way I like it.
The Blog; ‘and the dog collar’ has been a title for a book/blog/clothing line which has been in the pipe line since September 2015 as a result of my dissertation topic.


I choose to write my dissertation about women Priest’s experiences with clothes (post to follow).The topic of fashion and Priests sparked a conversation with a friend who suggested I should write a book called ‘heels and the dog collar’ (post to follow).


Despite this suggestion I feel God wanted me to use this title to create a blog that talked about everyday things combined with being a Priest or trainee Priest in the Church of England. The aim of this blog is to demonstrate that a Priest can engage with all people from all walks of life with the hope to introduce more people to the exciting faith of Christianity .
For this reason, I will write about all the experiences I have as an Ordinand and will ask other Ordinands and vicars to contribute with their experiences to., to give women priests a voice. I hope this blog will help you realise  that Priests are normal people doing what God intends for them.
Happy reading and be blessed, Steph xoxo