Ministry Development Reviewers

Salop Area

Revd Preb Adrian Bailey

I was a stipendiary priest in the Lichfield Diocese for 28 years until I retired in 2019. I remain active in part time ministry with a PTO and live in Oswestry, Shropshire.

I have served in town and country parishes, was Rural Dean of Oswestry for 8 years, and was a half time lead hospital chaplain for 18 years. I have been both a school and a hospital governor. Though my own ecclesiastical tradition is middle of the road, chaplaincy has taught me to work with a variety of traditions. It also taught me the importance of being slow to speak and quick to listen attentively and non-judgementally.

I was involved in appraisal and development in my previous career in the Civil Service and as a hospital chaplain. And of course, I have had direct experience of using the current MDR system myself.

I recognise the challenge of ministry in a world where change, already rapid, has accelerated due to the pandemic. I would love to be able to work with people to help discern God’s path through it all. So, when I saw the appeal by the ministry department for more reviewers, I felt God was calling me to offer myself.

Revd Dr John Darch

I’ve recently retired after 36 years of full-time ministry, almost equally divided between parish ministry and theological education. I served in parishes in Lichfield and Chester dioceses (including being Vicar of Hyde when Dr Shipman was one of our local GPs…). In that period. I also served as training incumbent and rural dean. For seven years I was lecturer in Church History and Liturgy at of St John’s Nottingham and most recently I served as Director of Ordinands and IME2 in Blackburn diocese. Throughout that time, I was actively involved in local parishes.

Married, with three adult sons and one cat, I enjoy reading (history, poetry, Detective novels), music and walking, particularly in hilly and mountainous areas.

Much of my ministry has involved walking with others on their journeys of faith and vocation – parishioners, Reader Candidates, Ordination Candidates, Ordinands, Curates and Parish Clergy – and I am happy to continue this as an MDR Reviewer.

Revd Preb. Pat Hawkins - Ellesmere

I was ordained priest in this Diocese in 2002 and served as Vicar of the parish of Oxley, in Wolverhampton from 2004-2014, and as Rural Dean of Wulfrun Deanery.

In 2014 I moved to the Cathedral to be Canon Chancellor with special responsibility for pastoral development and mission. In February 2020 I returned to parish ministry and am now Vicar of Ellesmere in north Shropshire.

Prior to ordination I was an Anglican Franciscan sister for thirteen years and I have many years’ experience in spiritual companionship, in exploring and nurturing vocation and in formation and training. Since 2010 I have represented the Diocese on General Synod. I am single, with close family ties with my sister and her adult family.

Revd Deborah Loughran - Wrockwardine Wood, Telford

I have been in the Diocese of Lichfield since 2017, moving from Durham Diocese where I served my Curacy after being sponsored by Liverpool Diocese to undertake ministerial training. I am currently serving in a Benefice of three churches in East Telford and as Rural/Area Dean for Telford Deanery.

I am married with 2 children, one away at university in Newcastle upon Tyne and the other in six form college in Shrewsbury, we also have 2 dogs.

My passion is in enabling people within ministry to offer their skills and passions within the area in which they serve. I seek to live this passion out by offering myself as a Parish Priest, a Rural/Area Dean, a Training Incumbent, a member of the Bishop’s Advisory Panel for Vocations, a formation advisor for Readers in training and as an MDR reviewer.

There is no greater privilege than walking alongside someone and learning together the things that God is doing, whether that walk is a long one or a short one there is always something to be learnt, valued and appreciated. I look forward to walking with you as we journey together, seeking to be faithful to God and in the growing of His Kingdom.

Revd Chris Thorpe - Shifnal

I was ordained in 1988 and have ministered in suburban, urban priority area, rural and market town parishes. During that time, I have been interested in vocations, ministry review, community ministry, and liturgy, and have written several resource books for the wider church. I am a passionate vegetable gardener, enjoy sea fishing, and walking.

Stafford Area

Madeline Jill Cheadle (known as Jill)

I have been fortunate to have what I describe as a “wonderful working life,” spent in Education, starting as a newly qualified teacher, followed by two deputy headships, two headships and the last 20 years as a District Inspector when I was, responsible for some 45 or so Schools, within Newcastle and the Moorlands and Lead Inspector for Early Years Education across the County.

In this latter role, I was privileged to share with headteachers both their successes and their low points, particularly when involved in their Performance Management Review.

I learned and indeed re learned the importance of careful and empathetic listening; and being alongside the person being reviewed, as they describe their ‘journey’. Within the Church I have held the position of Church Warden within three different churches over time, and I am a member of two PCCs and serve as an Intercessor and reader in our local Church, St John the Baptist Ashley, where my husband of 52years, sings in the Choir. To complete the circle, as it were, I am still involved in Education in a voluntary capacity, both as Vice Chair of Governors at our local Church School, a Trustee of a Multi Academy Trust and an Academy Councillor.

Revd Chris Coupe - Chell

I am married to Josie and we have 3 adult children and five grandchildren. I am Vicar of Chell Parish in Stoke on Trent, where I have been since we moved here from Lancashire in September 2016. Prior to Stipendiary Ministry, I was a Reader for 17 years, and I worked in the papermaking industry for 30 years in sales and business development for several different paper mills.

In 2009, I moved into working in the NHS as a Facilities and Operations Manager, where I remained as a Minister in Secular Employment following my ordination; yet also working in parish (where I served my curacy) which was within the same area. To coin a line from a film, ‘I come with a very particular skill set…’ influenced by my route into ordination, a route I feel privileged to be led and guided through by others; thus I would feel very privileged to listen to your story, help you to value yourself as a person and Christian minister in all that you are and do, and I would be pleased to offer you the opportunity to facilitate your review in an open and relaxed style. May you be blessed and be a blessing in your work for the Kingdom of God.

Revd Dr George Crossley - Burton upon Trent

I am married to Gail with five children. Currently, Vicar of St Chad's in Burton upon Trent and St Mary's Stretton. Until 2016 I was part-time chaplain at Queen's Hospital with a specialisation in paediatric care.

St Chad's is an urban parish with significant social housing, industrial areas and part of the town centre, St Mary's is a neighbouring suburban parish.

Before entering ordained ministry in 1994 I worked in local government as a Nuclear Free Zones officer for Leeds City Council and then in Emergency Planning for Bradford City Council.

I was ordained in 1994 and spent four years as curate in Rochdale before moving to Branston on the outskirts of Burton in 1998 to serve as vicar of Branston and Tatenhill a suburb and nearby village. I was also Rural Dean of Tutbury in 2001-2. I have been at St Chad's for eight years.

Revd Nigel Irons - Leek

Hi, my name is Nigel Irons and I've lived in the Diocese of Lichfield for over forty years.

I worked in the construction industry for twenty years before training for ministry at St John's College, Nottingham. I served my curacy in Stoke-on-Trent, was vicar of All Saints Church, Burton for 13½ years and since 2014 have been Team Rector of Leek and Meerbrook. I've enjoyed being an MDR Consultant since 2003 and am very happy to offer you the opportunity to facilitate your review in an open and relaxed style. May you be richly blessed in your work for the Kingdom of God.

Revd Dr David Isiorho - Loggerheads

I am no stranger to rural ministry having been a country parson serving seven churches in Peterborough Diocese. I trained for ministry at Westcott House, Cambridge, and completed my curacy at St Mary’s Abbey, Nuneaton.

I was born in Windsor, studied at Liverpool for my first degree and worked as a Social Worker in London before ordination.

I continued to study part-time and completed a master’s degree at Warwick University followed by a Doctorate at Bradford. Last year I published my first book - MISSION, ANGUISH AND DEFIANCE: A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF BLACK CLERGY DEPLOYMENT IN THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND. From the start, I should say that, as an Anglican, I find myself critical of my own tradition, because I am very familiar with its foibles and idiosyncrasies, and this has sometimes involve using polemic to challenge its senior leadership. My critique is motivated by a genuine love of the Church of England because I care deeply about this organisation.

I am a priest with thirty years’ experience in Holy Orders. I was brought up an Anglican, in the tradition of Anglo-Catholicism, although I now describe myself as Church of England, liberal, reformed and catholic. It was not a smooth journey to ordination despite my early awareness that priesthood was my vocation. My Blackness posed difficulties. It continues to present a challenge to the White institution of the Church of England. In my ministry and in my academic work, justice, compassion and mercy are key.

I cannot divorce my scholarly interests from my ministry as the one energises the other in that very traditional Anglican way.

I am now Rector for the Loggerheads Benefice in north Staffordshire. I came to this ministry from inner city Birmingham via Cornwall where I was responsible for three coastal parishes. I am computer literate and have just upgraded to Windows 11. I am married to Linda, who is also a priest, but we don’t work together as we want to stay married. When we are not working, the Isiorhos can be found in front of the fire enjoying a glass of wine and animated conversation. We are owned by a cat called Sir Micky Mango Socrates (no need to curtsey or bow).

Revd Michael Metcalf - Stafford

b. 1937 London. MA Cambridge (Maths, Theology, Philosophy of Religion); Ridley Hall. 1964-7 Curate, Christ Church, Downend, Bristol. PGCE Birmingham. 1968-71 Teaching RE, Birmingham. 1972-83 Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Religious Studies, Teacher Training, Walsall.

OU Tutor, Man’s/The Religious Quest. 1983-94 Diocesan Director of Education, Lichfield. 1994-2005 Vicar St. Paul’s, Stafford; RD Stafford 2000-5.

Prebendary Emeritus, Lichfield. Married to Beryl; grown-up son and daughter. Two cats, cottage in Shropshire hills. County Chaplain, Staffordshire St. John. Rotarian. Still involved in RE nationally and locally, also in interfaith work.

Long-standing interest in contemporary church music. Leisure activities include bridge, crosswords, etc. Climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro 2003, fundraising for MAF.

Wolverhampton Area

Revd Matt Aldridge - Wolverhampton

I’m married with three young boys and live in Wolverhampton. I am a registered nurse with almost 25 years’ experience across the NHS, private sector and latterly in higher education as an Academic. I have a particular interest in the development of learning and teaching, and the use of technology-enhanced learning. I have a breadth of experience in reflective practice, coaching and peer support. In my current role I am passionate about staff development and enjoy supporting and encouraging others to realise their potential. I have been a licensed lay minister (reader) since 2016 and I am involved in a range of ministry activities in my home church, though I have also held various roles lay roles over the years. I look forward to helping you reflect on your ministry through the MDR process. I’m also happy to explore different means of communication (online and face to face or a blended approach).

Revd Preb John Allan - Alrewas

Originally ordained as a Pastor in the America Lutheran Church in 1984 and during the past 25 years I’ve had the privilege and joy of serving as an Anglican priest in Lichfield Diocese.

Serving in parish ministry in Newport, Shropshire; Longdon nr. Lichfield; and, for the past 15+ years, as Vicar of three rural village churches in Alrewas, Fradley and Wychnor in Lichfield Deanery.

In addition to my (primary) parochial ministry in these contexts, I’ve also enjoyed wider involvements as a Local Ministry Adviser, Rural Dean of Lichfield, and a Training Incumbent for three curates. I’ve been married to Sally for 37 years, and we have three adult daughters and two grandsons.

Through being a willing participant (reviewee) in the Lichfield MDR scheme for many years, I have found this to be a wonderful and gracious gift of ‘space and time for feeling valued, for having the freedom to reflect and the desire to grow as a human being and a Minister of the Gospel’.

As one who feels humbled to serve as an MDR reviewer, I would feel very privileged to listen to your story, help you to value yourself as a person and Christian minister in all that you are and do, and assist you in discovering pathways of personal and professional growth that will enable you to deepen and develop your longing to serve God in your daily ministry, with passion and joy!

Philip Ashmore - Willenhall

I am part of the congregation of Holy Trinity, Willenhall and serve as a Verger. I retired from full time employment in 2017 although I do some part time work for my former employer.

I enjoyed a successful career as a manager in Social Housing, working in local government, for the Housing regulator, and for a local Housing Association working in Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.

I have served on the board of a NHS hospital for six years and I have served on the Independent Monitoring Board of three prisons over 20 years, currently at HMP Stafford.

I have a keen interest in the history of Christianity, especially the first four hundred years. I have supported people through staff development and appraisal and I am always pleased to be able to assist people to further their prospects in their chosen careers.

Revd Margaret Brighton

I joined the benefice of Brereton Rugeley and Armitage after hearing call, following early retirement from ministry in Birmingham Diocese, and moving to live in the area.

As a Reader for fifteen years prior to ordination, my ministry included significant time spent with young people and helping to plan and co-ordinate the Diocesan Course for Developing Discipleship and associated study days.

My pre-ordination professional career included time as a Training Manager for a large national company, and a similar role within the health service for non-clinical staff and grew from being inspired and impassioned to help others reach their full potential after my life was changed by someone similarly investing their time and energy in me.

I took this passion into church ministry and ended my time as an ordained minister as vicar of a large mixed economy church where I grew a team who contributed successfully and significantly to all areas of church life.

I’m married to Darrell, and we have sons and grandsons who we love spending time with. We also enjoy the beautiful Staffordshire countryside, and the challenge to find accessible places that I can enjoy in my wheelchair or off-road scooter. I will be pleased to offer my skills and experience to your ministerial development if you think I can.

Kathryn Duncan-Brown - Lichfield

I have recently retired following a lifetime career in the NHS. Initially as a nurse, a community midwife and then latterly working as a primary care manager with responsibility, amongst other things, for training, supporting and appraising staff. I have had some bereavement and counselling training.

The voluntary sector has had an appeal for me especially working in Girl guiding locally and internationally, and I have experience as a Trustee of several Trusts mostly in Staffordshire.

Since moving to Lichfield in 1974, I have been an active member of St Chad’s Church Lichfield currently doing another 'stint' as a member of the PCC.

I came from an evangelical background, was a 'vicar’s daughter' in the Liverpool Diocese and for the past sixteen years I have served as a Bishops Visitor in the Lichfield Diocese. This has given me a most valuable insight and understanding of clergy and clergy family life in this Diocese.

Dr Veronica Coatham - Lichfield

My working life has been spent in the public sector working for local authority housing departments and then higher education where I taught housing and planning students seeking professional accreditation. It was through this work that I became very interested in community regeneration and the skills and competences that practitioners need to deliver successful outcomes in a range of situations. This led to my completing a Ph.D. in 2013 which focused on 3 connecting themes – personal and professional development, organisational change and user engagement. I am now semi – retired but continue to work in a self-employed capacity as a housing and education consultant. I have also been a board and committee member of several housing associations, community based social enterprises and a school governor. Throughout my working like I have been involved with staff development and appraisal both as an appraiser and as someone being appraised and I am now happy to use these experiences to support minsters working in the Lichfield diocese. I am very familiar with the issues that clergy and their families can face as my father was a vicar. And I am also married to a self-supporting minister based at St Leonards, Wiggington in the Tamworth Deanery though we live in Lichfield. I worship at St Michaels, Lichfield but once a month go with my husband to worship at St Leonards.

Revd Simon Douglas – Tettenhall

Having been ordained in 2011, I have served all my ministry in the parish of Tettenhall Regis, on the edge of Wolverhampton, in a mixed parish of 4 churches, with urban, suburban and rural elements. Prior to this I have been involved in education, formal and informal, since leaving university, including the encouraging and mentoring of young people in urban Birmingham, and latterly a role teaching and supporting teachers, across the borough of Sandwell.

I have continued engagement in education with schools, in a variety of roles of school and academy governance, for 18 years, and have served on the Diocesan Board for Education. As I have done so, I have been engaged in the performance management of several head teachers, but more generally have been available to staff as a listener and sounding board. I have undertaken coaching training and enjoy using this in my ministry. My experience of the MDR process has been positive, and I hope to be able to offer a similarly open, reassuring, and valuable opportunity to reflect on the joys and challenges of ministry. I am passionate about technology, its uses, and would be interested to explore how technology can support in this process.

Andrew Farrow - Lichfield

I have been a Reader for 20 years, currently in both Lichfield and Birmingham diocese, my time is split between St Peter’s Little Aston and St Johns Middleton. I am married with 3 children, the youngest is completing his A levels. I am a Chartered Fellow of the British Computer Society and have worked as an IT manager for the last 25 years since returning to the West Midlands after working in the South-East, Hull and Scotland. As a manager I have worked closely supporting the professional development of many colleagues during that time. I have reduced my hours in the last few years so can be available during the day as well as evenings and weekends. I am a keen cyclist and enjoying discovering the different parts of the diocese.

Revd Roger Gilbert - Cannock

In my 60’s, I am a ‘has been’ but one who does not understand the meaning of retirement! I was ordained priest in 1972 and have served in this diocese since 1974. For forty years I worked in education and have twenty years’ experience of the performance management of Head Teachers.

People say that I am a good listener, having the ability to bring out the best in others, enthuse and motivate them. In retirement I have had the privilege of serving as temporary parish priest of St Michel’s, Tividale, for 2.5 years and St Peter’s, Greets Green, for one year.

Revd Monica Judson - Great Wyrley

I have ministered in various contexts ranging from inner city to leafy ‘burbs. It is always a joy to see the unvoiced become voiced and for those that feel that they don’t have anything to offer their community become aware of the gifts and skills. God always finds ways to surprise me; I love to sit in contemplative prayer but also enjoy contemporary worship. ‘Come as you are’ and ‘you are enough’ seems to sum up my outlook on life.

Rev. Fr. Andrew Lythall - Bentley

Born in Cheshire, I studied Computer Science and Politics before training for the priesthood at Cranmer Hall, Durham. I was ordained in 2010 and following an incumbency in Chester diocese I worked as Canon Precentor at Birmingham Cathedral, before returning to parish ministry. I am currently working as Interim Minister at Emmanuel Church, Bentley. My ministerial interests include liturgy, systematics and Eucharistic theology. I'm a lifelong lover of music, art and poetry; in my spare time, I also enjoy writing, astronomy, golf, playing with Lego and spending time with my noisy children. I'm rooted in the Catholic tradition but have wide experience of the theological spectrum and am very open minded to other approaches. I would be pleased to support you in your ministry, and it would be my privilege to work alongside you to help you to flourish.

Revd Alison Morris - Pelsall

I am currently an NSM at St. Michael’s & All Angels, Pelsall. Operating as almost full time this role offers a varied opportunity to minister in an active and busy parish. Within the diocese I also act as a SIAMS inspector with Lichfield Diocese and chair the School Standards and Effectiveness Committee. In 1997 I became a Lay Reader within an UPA parish where I held several positions.

Prior to ordination I worked in education full time for 27 years in schools and other sectors of education covering many executive and senior roles both in senior management and in an advisory capacity. This included responsibility for training, professional development and performance management of teaching and support staff both in school and across the borough. At times it also included mentoring and counselling on an individual basis.

Revd Philip Robertson - Wolverhampton

I am vicar of St Jude’s Wolverhampton. Prior to my appointment in July 2011, I served a four-year curacy at St John’s Woking, following completion of a degree in Theology and Pastoral Care at Oak Hill College. Before training for the ordained Ministry, I practiced as an architect in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Kendal and East Molesy. I am married to Nicky and we have three grown up children and two grandchildren. Having Ada, our lovely Belgian Shepherd dog and the occasional long stay lodger, helps Nicky and me cope with empty nest syndrome. I grew up in a family that occasionally went to church, but Christian faith meant nothing to me until my teenage years when I started attending Sheffield West Crusaders (now Urban Saints).

My journey through life and faith has at times been meandering and arduous, but today I thank my Father for his unfailing mercy and love as I try to serve his Son, Christ my Lord and Saviour, in the power of his Spirit. As a minister I value honest devotion to the Christ revealed in Scripture, faithful service to his church through prayer and participation, and the certain conviction that the spoken gospel is empowered by God to transform lives.

Hilary Southern - Essington

I have spent part of my career in the Rail Industry as a Training & Development Manager and am a qualified trainer. I am also qualified as a skills assessor (Units D32 / 33) and internal verifier (Unit D34). My responsibilities have included training and mentoring of people, together with support for Continuous Professional Development (CPD).

I also have experience of performance appraisal in the workplace. I have continued to provide assessment and verification in various professional disciplines ever since.

I have worshipped at a Methodist Church for most of my life but became an active member of the Anglican Church 10 years ago.

I am secretary to St. John’s PCC in Essington, Wolverhampton and am also part of a fund-raising group at the church.

I also serve as a Foundation governor at St. John’s Primary School.

I enjoy being with people and am trained in first-contact general welfare counselling. I feel that I can bring my skills and experience to the MDR process.

Page last updated: Wednesday 23rd February 2022 2:33 PM
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