Meet our Minister
Rev Andrew de Ville
I moved to Romsey in 2024 when I was appointed, by the Methodist Church, to be Minister at Romsey, Cadnam, Landford and Canada Common, all within the Winchester, Eastleigh & Romsey Methodist Circuit.
If you would like to contact me, please use the form at the bottom of the page.
My wife, Helen, and I are enjoying the town and the many walks we are finding with our black Labrador, Chester. Our two married sons, and their families live in Coventry where I was a Minister from 2002 to 2012; at which point the Church asked us to move to Portsmouth where I was Minister for almost 8 years; and then I was appointed as the Chair of the Southampton District until 2024.
What's your role at Romsey?
In the Methodist Church we have ordained Ministers covering two roles – one is as a Presbyter, leading the church in mission, focussing on God’s Word and the
sacraments (Holy Communion and Baptism) and with pastoral responsibility; and the other is a Deacon called to ministry of witness, service, proclamation, and prayer, bridging the church and the world. So my role is to offer leadership to the people of Romsey Methodist Church, to lead worship and preach, and to support and care for the people within the Church and local community.
What did you do before this role at Romsey?
Having been a Minister for almost 25 years I’ve been a local Church Minister; a Superintendent Minister (a senior leader within the local Circuit which is a group of
churches in a geographical area); and a Chair of District which is the senior leader within the national Church having a particular focus for Hampshire and Dorset.
Before becoming a Minister I worked in finance and retail sectors as a Fraud Investigator and Regional Security and Project Manager.
What's the best thing about your job?
Being with people – encouraging them in their relationship with God; equipping them in their development of their particular skills, talents and gift and enabling them to use these gifts in the life of the Church and local community.
What do you like to do to relax?
I enjoy coffee shops; long walks with Helen and our dog, and seeing our children and grandchildren who live in the Midlands.
Where's your favourite place?
Being half-Cornish I really do love Cornwall and, in particular, the Isles of Scilly where we have had many family holidays over the years.