Reverend Cannon Paul Vann

When I was seven years of age, I wanted to be a vicar. When I failed my eleven plus exam (due to my seizures), I decided that I was not academically good enough to study to be a clergyman. However, my local vicar told me of a place where I could study my O-levels - a Church Foundation.

I trained for five years in all with theological studies included.

After training, I was ordained deacon in 1965 and priest in 1966. I served 3 curacies after which I went to minister for 25 years in what was, at one time, the largest single council estate in Wales. After this I worked in a parish near Caerphilly before retiring in 2007.

During my first curacy I married Heather, one of our parishioners. We have three children all grown up - they have now left home. Our youngest daughter is a priest and married to a priest. We are all Anglicans.

So I have maintained a full working, active ministry. I was for nearly 9 years a Rural Dean. Further I have served as a Chaplain to Youth, Caravan Camp, Hospital, Prison, Police, British Royal Legion, Suez Canal Veterans, Cathedral and Air Training Corps with who I still minister. I was over a period of 34 years a school governor of which for some of the years I was a Chairman.

One day, I gave Heather a real scare. I was driving the car when I lost control due ot a "turn". That evening Heather spoke to another doctor in the practice, explaining what was happening with me. He suggested that I visited the surgery as a matter of urgency. I went the next day and was referred to a consultant, who diagnosed epilepsy in the form of Complex Partial seizures.

I was still feeling pretty rough and on 14 October 1966 I was admitted to the Burden Neurological Institute, Bristol, under the care of Dr Bird. He was marvellous and within five weeks I was discharged with my epilepsy very much under control.

Thankfully, I am able to enjoy and active life. I am out every Sunday taking services - for which I am thankful. Further, as I stated earlier, I am the Chaplain of an ATC Squadron.