Richard Cowles

Crème Brulee and Handel’s Messiah are just two of the sensory experiences which delight Bray’s new vicar. Richard Cowles, 55, arrived at his new parish just in time for Easter and is looking forward to the challenges it holds. He was previously in charge of three parishes just outside Garsington, Oxford.

The Advertiser caught up with him to find out more about the man behind the dog collar.

How did you become a vicar?
I became a vicar in 1993 aged 40. I had my mid-life crises after spending 15 years in publishing. I believe that I received a call to do this, but it was something that I had thought about before and had been at the back of my mind.

What do you make of Bray so far?
The people have been really friendly and welcoming. It’s a lovely church but more important than that are the people. I have found they are very committed, all pulling together and so far it’s been a joy.

What challenges does it pose?
It’s a very extensive parish geographically and to cover it and become known as the vicar is more daunting at the moment than anything else. I’m intending to do quite a lot of cycling around, so people see me.

What are your hobbies?
I’m particularly fond of music so I’m hoping to sing in a local choir. I like large choral pieces where you are with hundreds of people and can make a big noise. One of my favourites is Handle’s Messiah. There is something very special about making music together with lots of people and it’s also very relaxing and takes you out of yourself.

Have you ever made a pilgrimage?
Yes two years ago I cycled to St Davids in South Wales. I have also been to the Vatican City which is really amazing, just astonishing, and the chapel is one of the wonders of the world.

Tell me a bit about your background?
I was raised a Christian but had the typical teenage rebellion and then got back into it at university. I did a degree in physics at Birmingham University and then I studied theology but at that time didn’t want to go into the church. Instead I went into publishing and was involved in the sale of science books.

Are you married?
Yes. I met my wife Maureen at university. We have been married 32 years and she is head of science at a school in Wallingford.

So science is a hot topic in your household?
I’m still very interested in the relationship between religion and science. There is no necessary enmity between them and it’s possible to be a scientist and a believer. I believe in evolution. Darwin was a great scientist and there’s no doubt in my mind the evolution was the process through which God created the world.

Will you be dining at any of Bray’s famous restaurants?
I’m looking forward to getting to know the people who run them but I suspect some of the prices tend to be beyond the pay of a vicar.

So what’s your favourite dessert?
Crème Brulee.