WHAT I’M CALLED: Maggie Thorne.

MY AGE IN YEARS: 54.

WHAT I DO: Vicar of St. Mary’s, serving the communities of Barton and Sandhills.

WHERE I LIVE: Next to the church on the Headington roundabout.

WHO I LOVE: My husband, soulmate and best friend, Richard, and my children, Jess and Aidan and, of course, I love God.

HAPPIEST YEAR: If I had to choose just one year it would be 2002, when I achieved my masters degree in pastoral studies from London University. It was an intense year, crammed with study, reflection and meeting new people who challenged and nurtured my views in equal measure. It was hugely fulfilling.

DARKEST MOMENT: The loss of my father when I was 17, but it turned out to be my lightest moment too as my faith came to life at that time.

PROUDEST BOAST: Watching my children become truly wonderful adults who are comfortable in their own shoes.

BIGGEST REGRET: Inaction. Not joining protests against the British and US governments’ war on Iraq and the search for WMD.

WORST WEAKNESS: Self doubt causes me the most psychological pain; crisps and Cadbury’s chocolate éclairs run a pretty close second.

LESSON LEARNED: That it’s OK to have my own opinions and OK to have them challenged.

DULLEST JOB: I started teaching music while still at college but when I graduated I didn’t have enough work to make a living so I got a job as an administrative assistant for a missionary society. Just typing letters was terribly boring.

GREATEST SHAME: I’m a habitual sinner: envy, greed, sloth – aren’t we all? I do my best to make changes.

LIFELONG HERO: Emmeline Pankhurst and Florence Nightingale – both women who’ve made a massive difference to modern society – and Jesus, whose life, death and resurrection gives meaning to our lives.

OLDEST FRIEND: Lizzie. We were neighbours from the time we were about three, encouraged each other’s faith, were each other’s bridesmaids and she’s Godmother to my eldest.

WIDEST SMILE: I beam through every baptism and wedding that I take, often ending up with a sore face. Being part of another family’s joy reminds me of the joy my own family constantly brings me.