AVM ELECTIONS 2026

PCC MEMBERS

A Parochial Church Council (PCC) member in the Church in Wales serves as part of the parish's governing body. They collaborate with the clergy to promote the church's mission and are legally responsible for the strategic direction, financial administration, and upkeep of church properties and the churchyard.

Rev. Mark Simpson

Vicar

Amber Grover

Curate

Joy Watson

Churchwarden
(Incumbent appointment)

If you asked me for one word that describes my life’s passion it would be TRANSFORMATION.  I absolutely love to see people (and places and spaces) flourish, come alive, empowered and free.  As a follower of Jesus for many decades now, I’ve seen this reality repeatedly - in ministry, as a counsellor, education consultant and coach in prisons and other vulnerable communities.  I love that we can know such hope and experience change as we love God and follow Jesus.

I’m a Wales-born farmer’s wife, and studied business at Cardiff University.  In addition, I love all things creative, colourful and feel most alive when worshipping!

Joe Miles

Churchwarden [Standing for election]

I’m married to Naomi and we have four children: Tim, Zac, Lottie and Ginny. We’ve been part of Citizen since the beginning, and enjoy serving on teams at the Cathays campus, and previously in Senghenydd and Pontypridd.

I've been a trustee of three charities (including PCC of Citizen previously), which has given me experience in governance and life in the Church in Wales. As Churchwarden, I would seek to provide continuity and represent the congregation well, particularly with the appointment of a new Vicar to lead us.  

Most of all, I love Jesus, I'm passionate about Citizen's vision, and am excited for what the Lord has ahead for us: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”

Bryon Castle

PCC (Pontypridd Subwarden - Incumbent Appointment)
[Standing for election to PCC]

I have been a part of Citizen for 3 years, serving on the PCC for the past year. 

My church background is based in the pentecostal tradition, with leadership roles dating back 35 years.

Along side my church experience I have worked in the building industry for many of those years,  as well as running my own company working with housing and the homeless. 

After our marriage 1990 my wife and I served overseas with YWAM for 4 years. On our return to the UK I took up a role as counsellor working with individuals struggling with addiction. 

My passion has always been to see the church reflect the truth of scripture.

Andy Ralph

PCC
(Senghenydd Subwarden - Incumbent Appointment)
[Standing for election to PCC]

I have been worshipping in Senghenydd for about three years, where I have been sub-warden and service pastor.

My wife is Jenny, and we have five grown-up children and one grandchild.

My heart and calling is to see the re-growth of the church in Senghenydd and the Aber Valley. I am an elder at Abertridwr Community Church, and am keen to see churches working together for the building of unity in the Kingdom.

I have been on the PCC for the last year, because it is important that all the locations of Citizen Church are represented.

Dan Benham

PCC (Cathays Subwarden)
[Standing for election]

I am a committed, born again Christian, who is passionate by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. As a sinner, saved by grace, I am ready to humbly serve on the PCC of Citizen church. During this period of time, I would, through God’s grace, bring a spiritual and professional expertise to the church.

As twice President of the Royal Society of Architects in Wales (over 600 members) and previous trustee of the Royal Institute of British Architects (44,000 members), I am happy to bring a wise and balanced mindset, together with stepping up to have the necessary conversations with senior members of the Church in Wales, as required. God’s love and establishing a community, is at the heart of everything I do professionally. 

Rhian Griffiths

PCC (Safeguarding)
[Standing for election]

My name is Rhian Griffiths and I am married to Mark. We have been attending Citizen Cathays since it started and I serve on various teams, Coffee Team, Alpha Catering, involved in Prayer Ministry and also attend a Home Group. I am currently the Safeguarding Officer at Citizen Church.

We have lived in Cardiff for the last 8 years, before this we lived in England for 30 years as my husband was a vicar. I am originally from Swansea and am a fluent Welsh Speaker.

I care deeply for Citizen Church and its team, I am keen to be involved in serving the church as we navigate the next season at Citizen Church.

Mathew Jacob

PCC
[Standing for election]

Retired businessman, a very passionate Christian and a dedicated member of Citizen Church Pontypridd from the beginning of February 2023. 

Served on the PCC of Citizen Church during 2025/26. Looking forward to getting actively involved in the reopening of Citizen Church, Pontypridd (St. Mary’s Glyntaff). Outside of church life, I have a keen interest in all sports, especially Cricket & Formula 1.

Andrew Watts

PCC
[Standing for election]

I moved to Wales in the early 80s and have been married to Janice for almost 38 years. I have been at Citizen Cathays since April 2021, where I've had the opportunity to make good friends and use my skills and experience for God's work.

Janice and I have led a weekly small group for three years and now our adopted family. I have been Cathays Site Manager since March 2025 and Sub Warden for the last year.

After gaining an MSc in Information Systems at 40, I managed multiple systems as a senior manager in manufacturing and utilities before becoming a self-employed project manager until retirement. I also joined the finance team in December 2025, taking over financial reporting from the accountants in February 2026.

CHURCHWARDENS

A churchwarden is a senior volunteer lay leader in a parish or Ministry Area. Their primary duties include representing the congregation, maintaining the church buildings, managing administrative and financial affairs alongside the clergy, and ensuring church life continues smoothly.
(please swipe to see other candidate)

  • Joe Miles

    I’m married to Naomi and we have four children: Tim, Zac, Lottie and Ginny.  We’ve been part of Citizen since the beginning, and enjoy serving on teams at the Cathays campus, and previously in Sengenydd and Pontypridd.

    I've been a trustee of three charities (including PCC of Citizen previously), which has given me experience in governance and life in the Church in Wales. As churchwarden, I would seek to provide continuity and represent the congregation well, particularly with the appointment of a new vicar to lead us.  

    Most of all, I love Jesus, I'm passionate about Citizen's vision, and am excited for what the Lord has ahead for us: “See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”

  • Joy Watson

    If you asked me for one word that describes my life’s passion it would be TRANSFORMATION.  I absolutely love to see people (and places and spaces) flourish, come alive, empowered and free.  As a follower of Jesus for many decades now, I’ve seen this reality repeatedly - in ministry, as a counsellor, education consultant and coach in prisons and other vulnerable communities.  I love that we can know such hope and experience change as we love God and follow Jesus.

    I’m a Wales-born farmer’s wife, and studied business at Cardiff University.  In addition, I love all things creative, colourful and feel most alive when worshipping!

SUBWARDENS

In Parishes with more than one church, a qualified elector of that Parish may be designated as a Subwarden for the church they normally attend.
(please swipe to see next candidate)

  • CATHAYS: Dan Benham (Standing for election)

    I am a committed, born again Christian, who is passionate by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. As a sinner, saved by grace, I am ready to humbly serve on the PCC of Citizen Church. During this period of time, I would, through God’s grace, bring a spiritiual and professional expertise to the church. As twice President of the Royal Society of Architects in Wales (over 600 members) and previous trustee of the Royal Institute of British Architects (44,000 members), I am happy to bring a wise and balanced mindset, together with stepping up to have the necessary conversations with senior members of the Church in Wales, as required. God’s love and establishing a community, is at the heart of everything I do professionally. 

  • CATHAYS: Ruth Hamson (Incumbent Appointment)

    I would describe myself as a child of God who loves me - how amazing! I joined the family at Citizen at the start in April 2021, and it quickly felt like home - despite roller-coaster moments.

    My passion is hospitality - to offer space and welcome to everyone, whoever they are. So you might often see me on Cathays Sunday morning cafe team. I’m also involved in running Tots on Thursday mornings, welcoming carers and small people into our wonderful church building. A number of people refer to me as Granny Ruth - not just my 3 daughters and 6 grandchildren! 

    (Please note, Ruth is not standing to be elected to PCC)

  • SENGHENYDD: Andy Ralph (Incumbent Appointment)

    I have been worshipping in Senghenydd for about three years, where I have been Sub-warden and Service Pastor.

    My wife is Jenny, and we have five grown-up children and one grandchild.

    My heart and calling is to see the re-growth of the church in Senghenydd and the Aber Valley. I am an elder at Abertridwr Community Church, and am keen to see churches working together for the building of unity in the Kingdom.

    I have been on the PCC for the last year, because it is important that all the locations of Citizen Church are represented.

  • PONTYPRIDD: Bryon Castle (Incumbent Appointment)

    I have been a part of citizen for 3 years, serving on the PCC for the past year. 

    My church background is based in the pentecostal tradition, with leadership roles dating back 35 years.

    Along side my church experience I have worked in the building industry for many of those years,  as well as running my own company working with housing and the homeless. 

    After our marriage 1990 my wife and I served overseas with YWAM for 4 years. On our return to the UK I took up a role as counsellor working with individuals struggling with addiction. 

    My passion has always been to see the church reflect the truth of scripture.