TWO new chaplains have been appointed at Hinkley Point C – boosting 24-hour pastoral support for workers at the UK’s largest construction site, near Bridgwater.
New lead and night chaplains will join the team of chaplains, provided as part of a partnership between EDF and Somerset Churches Together, with funding provided by the energy giant.
More than 12,000 workers are employed at the site, hailing from more than 100 countries, with the team providing multi-faith pastoral support.
The Venerable Andrew Hillier is to be Lead Chaplain of the chaplaincy team, taking up the position in November when Ewen Huffman, the first chaplain to be appointed to the site, steps back from the lead role after more than five years. Ewen will continue to work part-time on site.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Heather Culshaw has been appointed Hinkley’s dedicated night chaplain.
Simon Hill, Archdeacon of Taunton, said: “I am delighted that with Hinkley Point C we have been able to make two great appointments to serve all those working on site.
“Andrew and Heather bring different experience and wisdom and will both be real assets to the construction site.
“Under Ewen Huffman’s leadership, the chaplaincy has developed enormously and its role is appreciated by the very large workforce.
“Ewen will continue to be involved. We look forward to the next chapter in the Hinkley chaplaincy as it branches out to include night time as well and supports its 12,000 workforce from more than 100 countries.”
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Hinkley Point C project construction director, Rob Jordan, said: “We’re very pleased to give a warm welcome to both Andrew and Heather.
“The team of chaplains are a much-valued asset to all of us who work here, helping to bring people together and to provide a listening ear.
“The welfare of our workers is at the heart of all that we strive to achieve on this amazing project.
“I’d also like to thank Ewen for all that he has contributed since starting out as the first salaried chaplain to a UK construction site back in 2020.
“Ewen has not only become a much loved and respected member of our family, but he has also grown his own family of chaplains to help reach out to all sections of the workforce.
“It’s a tribute to his dedication that he’s able to hand across the lead chaplaincy in such good order.”
Andrew is Chaplain of the Fleet and Archdeacon for the Royal Navy. After working as a nurse at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton for more than 10 years, he felt a calling to ordained ministry and was ordained at Wells Cathedral in 2002.
He served his curacy in Bath and Wells before joining the Royal Navy in 2005, with his ministry including tours in Afghanistan, an exchange with the US Navy and, since 2021, oversight of more than 80 chaplains worldwide.
He currently works to the First Sea Lord, the Head of the Royal Navy, leading the chaplains who support the men and women of the Royal Navy who around the world, working at sea, deployed on ships, submarines, as well as those in naval bases and training establishments.
More than 12,000 workers are on site at Hinkley Point C, near Bridgwater. Picture: EDF
“It is a great privilege to be called to this role,” he said. “Chaplaincy is about presence, prayer and service. It’s about walking the patch and getting to know people and being where they are. It’s a very incarnational ministry, which is one I’ve done for the last 20 years.
“What’s also really exciting is that EDF and the team at Hinkley are really investing in growing and developing chaplaincy as a way of making appropriate provision for their workforce.
“I’m really excited about taking up this new role and taking what I have learned from the Navy, and applying that to Hinkley and seeing how we can develop it even further.”
The new post of night chaplain, ensures pastoral support is available across the 24-hour working pattern on site.
As the new night chaplain, Heather will be present three nights a week, providing a consistent presence for those working through the night.
Heather previously served as an associate chaplain on site, alongside her role as a Salvation Army officer.
“I believe deeply in the power of chaplaincy to meet people where they are,” she said. “Jesus didn’t wait in the temple for people to come to him, he went to them.
“That’s the heart of night chaplaincy too: showing up, listening, praying when asked, and reminding people they are seen and valued. It’s a joy to be returning to Hinkley in this way.”
Congratulations to Andrew; we worked together in Orthopaedic Theatres at Musgrove Park, where he was always so cheerful, even during the busiest shifts. I will always remember that he introduced me to the music of the Crash Test Dummies, thanks Andrew!