Father Stuart Tanswell SMMS was born and grew up in Reading, England (which led him to becoming a long-suffering Reading FC fan), studying for a degree in Cybernetics and Computer Science at the University of Reading.
After trying to run away from the idea of ordained ministry he was eventually ordained at Truro Cathedral, England, and has served for 18 years across the British Isles. He is married to Caroline and between them they have three teenage children.