Our Team
Richard Grant
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Richard is a curate in Thirsk Parishes and is married to Tess. He's excited about ministry here in Thirsk and loves seeing people grow as disciples.
In his free time Richard loves to run, cycle, and go walking.
Richard Grant
​
Richard is a curate in Thirsk Parishes and is married to Tess. He's excited about ministry here in Thirsk and loves seeing people grow as disciples.
In his free time Richard loves to run, cycle, and go walking.
Richard Grant
​
Richard is a curate in Thirsk Parishes and is married to Tess. He's excited about ministry here in Thirsk and loves seeing people grow as disciples.
In his free time Richard loves to run, cycle, and go walking.
Derek & Helen Simpson
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Derek is Rector of Thirsk Parishes. He leads the team with the clergy, churchwardens, church councils and retired clergy. He is married to Helen and father to 3 grown up children. He is an enthusiastic preacher and bible teacher. Derek supports Manchester United, enjoys good food and wine and loves living in Thirsk. Derek says “I am excited to share the joy of following Jesus and see people grow as his disciples”
Richard Grant
​
Richard is a curate in Thirsk Parishes and is married to Tess. He's excited about ministry here in Thirsk and loves seeing people grow as disciples. Richard's also a keen musician and is working on growing our musical team.
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In his free time Richard loves to run, cycle, and go walking.
Mary Rolls
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Mary is the 20s-40s Minister for Thirsk and the Mowbray deanery. She wants to see people meet Jesus and be filled with joy at the prospect of meeting him and gathering with others. She’s looking to build a New Worshipping Community that is embedded in the local church. She is also the Multiply Team leader for Thirsk. Mary is married to Rob, and they have 2 dogs. In her spare time, Mary is a big rugby fan.
Tracey Taylor
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Tracey leads our children's ministry and has been part of the church here since 1995. She is married to Richard and is
mother to 3 children. She has worked with families in Thirsk for last 20 years and enjoys embroidery and lace making. Tracey says "it is a privilege and adventure to support families from babies onwards to learn from the Bible through crafts, stories, songs and many other activities."
Pauline Sidgwick
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Pauline is a Reader in Thirsk Parishes and is married to Bob. She is involved in the Pastoral Working Group and supporting people in times of illness and bereavement.
Bob Sidgwick
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Bob is a Deacon in Thirsk Parishes and is married to Pauline. Bob also has an extensive ministry with the biker community.
Both he and Pauline enjoy spending time with their grandchildren.
Tracey Taylor
​
Tracey leads our children's ministry and has been part of the church here since 1995. She is married to Richard and is
mother to 3 children. She has worked with families in Thirsk for last 20 years and enjoys embroidery and lace making. Tracey says "it is a privilege and adventure to support families from babies onwards to learn from the Bible through crafts, stories, songs and many other activities."
Dawn Ward
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​Dawn is a Curate in the Thirsk Parishes and is married to Michael. Having grown up in a rural area with close contacts to the farming community Dawn is passionate about supporting the small rural churches. She strongly believes in a ministry of presence in each and every community. In her spare time Dawn loves to travel and has a keen interest in photography and Egyptology.
Jill Gillanders
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Jill is a Curate in the Thirsk Parishes and is passionate about ‘church in community’. She is part of the team that visits local schools, and is working to establish links with young people, families, and other groups and organisations in and around Thirsk. She’s a volunteer with the Methodist Asylum Project (Middlesbrough), organising country walks for asylum seekers and refugees. She is married to Doug and they have 2 boys and 2 dogs.
Bob Sidgwick
​
Bob is a Deacon in Thirsk Parishes and is married to Pauline. Bob also has an extensive ministry with the biker community.
Both he and Pauline enjoy spending time with their grandchildren.
Pauline Sidgwick
​
Pauline is a Reader in Thirsk Parishes and is married to Bob. She is involved in the Pastoral Working Group and supporting people in times of illness and bereavement.