On Saturday, September 14, a new priest will be joining Wrexham Mission Area as Associate Priest at St Giles’ Church. The Revd Petra Goodband will be licensed by Bishop Gregory Cameron at a Service of Welcome in St Giles’, starting at 3.30 p.m.

Petra Goodband comes to Wrexham having served in the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon since her ordination in 2012. Most recently Petra has been Ministry Area Leader for the East Radnor Ministry Area, based in and around Knighton, as well as Bishop’s Officer for Pilgrimage and Tourism.

In welcoming Petra to the Diocese of St Asaph, Bishop Gregory Cameron says, “It is a delight to welcome Petra from mid-Wales. With her particular interest in music, Petra will be an excellent addition to the new ministry team being developed at St. Giles’ “.

Prior to ordination, Petra had several jobs ranging from Town Planning to Bingo Calling, although her main career has been in music, both performance and teaching.

Petra is married to John whom she first met 39 years ago. After many years of social media contact, they met up again in 2019 and soon after were married. They will be making their home in Wrexham with their cat, Hooh, and two rescue dogs, Doris and Gladys.

Both Petra and John love music of many different genres, both listening and playing.  Petra sings and plays instruments including the oboe and saxophone and has recently taken up the harp. Over the years Petra has also led choirs of various sizes.

Petra describes herself as very much a country person, but she looks forward to living in Wrexham and has already found lovely places to walk the dogs.