We send heartfelt congratulations to Dave who will be ordained (along with 18 others) at Christ Church Cathedral on 4 July. They will go on to serve their curacies throughout the diocese.
The ordination services will be led by Bishop Gavin and Bishop Dave.
At 66, Dave Pizzey brings a lifetime of serving people to his new ministry as a deacon. Born into a family of fishmongers in the heart of Witney, he grew up around his grandparents’ and parents’ fishmongers and fish and chip shop before later becoming a fishmonger himself. Looking back, he now sees the symbolism of fish running through his life and believes many experiences were leading him towards faith.
Dave’s faith journey began in his late 50s during a period of serious illness. After eight years without contact, he met up with his brother, a pastor in Witney, telling him firmly: “I am not interested in religion.” But as he walked home through the town centre afterwards, everything suddenly went silent and he heard a voice twice say: “I am here for you when you need me.” Dave immediately returned to his brother and told him he would be coming to church that Sunday.
At St Mary’s Church, Witney, Dave was encouraged in his calling by the former Rector of Witney, Revd Toby Wright, and began exploring ordained ministry. He believes faith has sustained and saved him through significant challenges, including bereavement, debt and the breakdown of relationships.
Today, Dave serves as an Anna Chaplain in two care homes in Witney and is passionate about engaging with people in everyday life. A prophetic artist, he often sketches in coffee shops in the town centre, using art as a way to connect with others and begin conversations. One woman he sketched later told him she keeps the drawing beside her at work and looks at it whenever she feels stressed.
Patience, perseverance and obedience are central to Dave’s life and ministry. He encourages people not to rush away after prayer, but instead to pause and listen, trusting that clarity sometimes comes quietly and over time.