Mayor Imran Hussain
Born in Wycombe General Hospital and schooled at what’s now Highcrest Academy, our current mayor is a charming 43-year-old, married to Shabina, with four children aged 11-18. He’s a busy man! Whilst representing High Wycombe in ceremonial events, which can take up to five days a week, Mayor Imran has a family motor business in Micklefield, having trained as a mechanic apprentice and a car salesman.
How does his Muslim faith impact his role as mayor? His mission is to make Wycombe shine to the best of his ability, by supporting local people of all faiths and attending services in mosques, churches and temples.
He feels strongly about supporting young people who suffer with poor mental health, who lack direction or ambition, or have lost their way by abusing drugs and alcohol. He particularly cares about the NOS habit that has maimed youngsters for life, or worse.
Mayor Imran has accordingly adopted Wycombe Youth Action and Wycombe Mind as his chosen charities this year. These excellent local causes have been profiled in previous issues of this magazine.
What does he love most about Wycombe? The architecture, the huge choice of sport available and community events from our diverse faiths and cultures.
Father Jonathan
Head up Amersham Hill, away from the station, and on the right, you will find St Augustine’s Roman Catholic church. Sitting back from the road, it was built in 1957 to replace the church on the corner of Castle and Corporation Streets.
Each week, some 750 parishioners attend St Augustine’s or its sister churches, St Wulstan’s in Totteridge and Our Lady of Grace in Booker. People from all over the world attend mass here – including from Nigeria, East Africa, Mexico, Poland and Southern India.
Overseeing the flock is Father Jonathan, a genial man who was born here in High Wycombe, and whose grandfather had a furniture business in Desborough. He attended Royal Grammar School before feeling called to join the priesthood. Ordained as priest here in 1995, he’s a music enthusiast, with eclectic taste ranging from Haydn to Led Zeppelin!
His message is that Christianity offers hope - long term in heaven, but short term here on earth. Anyone can find solace right here in the Christian community, a balm for isolated and wounded souls.
Visitors are always welcome, whether Catholics or not. There is no pressure to stay or chat; just pop in and see what you think. Mass is held Monday - Saturday at 9.30am, and on Sundays at 9am, 11am and 6pm. Come and see!
