People & Contacts

Acting President: Tom Dalton
Email Tom

I'm a second-year medical student and I started coming along to Methsoc in my first semester. It has really become a family for me at uni and I've made some of my closest friends there. I originally put myself forward to be the Methsoc Publicity Rep this year, but through a twist of fate I am now Acting President, after only one year, which goes to show just how fully welcoming this society has been. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about anything; I'll be very happy to help!

Secretary: Clare McLean
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Hello, Clare here. Methsoc has been important to me ever since I first started attending, and I have got so much from it that last year I looked after their money to give something back. This year, I've chosen to continue giving back to a society which means so much to me by being the secretary. Methsoc is a place where all can sit in a room, disagree, and still love each other. It is a place where we can grow in faith and maturity while still being able to be utterly ridiculous. Methsoc is pretty awesome, all things considered.

Treasurer: Becky Butler
Email Becky

I am a medical student in my third year and I've been part of Methsoc for some time. My job is sorting out Methsoc's finances and chasing after Tom when he forgets to complete his presidential duties!

Crosslinks Rep: Nathaniel Grant
Email Nathaniel

I am a post-graduate, MA, student in the philosophy of religion. As MethSoc Crosslinks committee representative, as well as Chair of the Crosslinks group itself; I hope to continue to promote the importance of ecumenical work and events between the various Christian societies on campus.

Methsoc Liturgist: Naomi Adelson
Email Naomi

Hi, I’m Naomi and I’m Methsoc Liturgist, which means I make the rotas and help to sort out the music for services. I’m a medical student and have been involved with Methsoc ever since I started at Birmingham. It’s a very welcoming and friendly society which provides a great opportunity to have fun and to explore my faith.

Social Action Rep: Jess Whiting
Email Jess

Hi, I’m Jess and I study Childhood, Culture and Education. I’m a first year and only recently joined the Methodist Society. Over a short space of time I’ve been able to meet some great people whilst connecting with God. I’m really passionate about volunteering and hope to get members involved in organisations such as Christian Aid and the Methodist Relief Fund. I love tea and cake, music and getting involved in anything for a worthy cause!

Chaplain: Gareth Jones
Email Gareth

Hi, I’m Gareth, and I’m the Methodist Chaplain to the University. I’m actually returning to this role for a year after my predecessor Kara moved to a new post in Nottingham in the summer, and I know that we all wish Kara well in her new responsibilities.
I was originally here for 8 years as Methodist Chaplain, before moving into full-time inter-faith work for 4 years. Many things in the Chaplaincy and the University are very familiar to me, but many are also new. Likewise, I’m looking forward very much to meeting old and new friends.
So what can I say about myself? I’m married to Jean, who is a school librarian. I have quite varied tastes in music, from jazz to Bach to Indian raags. I have similarly varied tastes in art and poetry. Although I have as Welsh a name as you can get, I’ve never lived in Wales but feel passionately Welsh when Wales are playing rugby! I enjoy a few frames of snooker when I get the time, but that’s becoming all too rare these days.
One of the things I’ve enjoyed most in my ministry is working in communities where people of all faiths and philosophies have the chance to explore together the important questions about life, happiness, fulfilment and how to care for one another. That’s the kind of community I believe a chaplaincy is, and it’s also part of what it means to be a university.
Do get in touch with me any time on 0121 472 0314 (home) or 0121 414 8153 (Chaplaincy).