East Sussex Fire & Rescue Chaplaincy

The Reverend David Tutt was born in London, and after completing his schooling studied Chemistry at the University of Sussex. After several years of research and teaching in the USA and UK, David spent some 25 years in University Administration with responsibility for various aspects of teaching and research administration.

After taking early retirement from paid employment, David undertook studies in theology and spiritual direction.

He was ordained in 2000 as a Permanent Deacon in the Catholic Church, being based initially in Lewes and, since 2005 at the Church of Our Lady Immaculate and St Philip Neri in Uckfield.

David has always had an interest in chaplaincy and pastoral work, and in 2005 became a voluntary chaplain with Sussex Ambulance Service, and then the South East Coast Ambulance Service at its formation in 2006. He is currently an Assistant Senior Chaplain with pastoral responsibility for Uckfield and Lewes Ambulance Stations and for the Lewes Ambulance Control Centre.

In his role as an Ambulance Service Chaplain, David has had considerable experience of the range, complexity and demands of emergencies faced by both front-line staff in both emergency services.He was the first chaplain on scene at the tragic Marlie Farm incident and offered support, in the days and weeks following, to both Fire Service and Ambulance Service crews.

David is married to Chris, and they have two adult married sons and four grandchildren.

( It is worth clarifying that David is NOT Cllr David Tutt who is an East Sussex County Councillor, based in Eastbourne, but is sometimes mistaken for him!)

Contact details:

Reverend Dr David E Tutt

35 Christie Avenue

Ringmer

East Sussex

BN8 5JT

07968 749951 or 01273 812894

Email: david.tutt@homecall.co.uk

It is with much regret, that Paul Doick, has decided to step down as City Chaplain. This is not a decision he has taken lightly, he his increasing work commitments have meant that he has not been able to visit as much as he would have liked, he can't see this changing and does not want to be someone brought in just when things go bad as good chaplaincy is about presence and trust.

Paul has really enjoyed working with everyone in the City and got to know some of you (and those who have moved on themselves) pretty well. In discussion with Paul about his decision to step down Paul said "I am very sad because in so many ways a visit to one of the stations to drink coffee with a watch or to support the senior team during difficult times was a highlight of my week.

Paul will continue to be available for any specific support until a replacement can be found, we will endeavour to ensure, like Paul, we get the right person for the job. If you need to contact Paul you can do so via his personal address; p.doick@btinternet.com

The Reverend Neville Barnett has been a Baptist Minister since 1961. He is a family man and works part time as Hospital Chaplain with the East Sussex Healthcare Trust.

Neville is also a grief Counsellor and served with Cruse Bereavement Care for four years.

Contact details

Reverend Neville Barnett

4 St David's Ave

Bexhill-on-Sea

East Sussex

TN40 2BE

Tel: 01424 732363

Email: nev.barnett@talktalk.net

Robert is currently vicar of All saints' Church in Eastbourne but has had a number of contacts with people in the Fire Service.

Sometimes the pressures of life and work can collide. If ever you would like to able to talk to someone outside your situation you'd be most welcome.

Robert is married with two grown up daughters. He has been a vicar for 27 years and before that was a school teacher. He has also worked as an Industrial Chaplain for Northern Foods.

You don't need to be a Christian or religious to come and talk.

Contact details

Reverend Robert Lovatt

All Saints Vicarage

1A Jevington Gardens

Eastbourne

East Sussex, BN21 4HR

Tel: 01323 410033

Email: robertlovatt777@hotmail.co.uk

Venerable Piyatissa is happy to help anyone at ESFRS.

Venerable Pidiville Piyatissa is the Head of Ketumati Buddhist Vihara [Monastery].

He was born in Sri Lanka and has been a Theravada Buddhist Monk for many years.

He is a Manchester Higher Education and a Manchester University Buddhist Chaplain.

He teaches at Buddhist Monasteries throughout England.

Venerable Pidiville Piyatissa led a retreat for BGKT Buddhist Group of Kendal (Theravada) at Kendal Fire Station community room over the weekend of 24th and 25th September 2011. As far as we are aware this the first retreat led by a Buddhist Monk to take place in a Fire Station in the UK. He led further retreats in 2012 add -2017.

He also serves as an SF&RS Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service Fire Chaplain. He appears to be the 4th Buddhist Fire Chaplain in the world. 

He gave a talk and led a question and answer session for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service personnel at Kendal Fire Station community room, on 7th August 2012.

He led a session on mindfulness, for CFRS Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service personnel and Cumbria Ambulance Service personnel, at Kendal Fire Station on 19th April 2013.

He is the author of An Exposition of Buddhism, published by the Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation, Taipei Taiwan, 1995.

Contact details

Venerable Pidiville Piyatissa

Ketumati Buddhist Vihara

Website:www.ketumati.org/