Who our leaders are

Mrs Karen Atkinson is a Licensed Lay Minister (Reader). She leads services and preaches at both St John’s and St Bartholomew’s, as well as heading a range of ministries within the parish, such as baptism and thanksgiving preparation, and various children’s groups. Along with her husband, Ian, she volunteers with ‘Huddersfield Street Angels’, which involves helping people in town on a Friday and Saturday night who might, for various reasons, need a helping hand. Karen is also an assistant headteacher, and her interests include knitting, cross-stitch and walking.

Nigel is a Licensed Lay Minister (Reader). He is still working, running a couple of environmental energy/resource-saving businesses, which he is passionate about, though luckily not as passionate as he is about his ministry in church. He has been leading and preaching for about 25 years now, and succumbed to advice from our previous Rector to try to fit Reader training into his schedule. It was a great decision and has helped enormously. Any free time he has is taken up (gladly) with his family (two daughters, one son and three grandchildren, whom he has never mentioned in church!). He and his wife like to travel to different places and one old favourite for pure relaxation. He also loves music and panto. 

Sean is an Authorised Lay Minister. He has been a member of the church since he was very young. He has been leading and preaching for a number of years. He is also involved in helping with the Friday night Regen youth group. He works for Leeds City Council as a Procurement Support Officer. Outside work and church Sean enjoys watching sport and is a Huddersfield Town and Huddersfield Giants supporter.

Revd Philip Brew is a retired vicar who now lives in Kirkheaton Parish. He hails from the Isle of Man and became a Christian when he was 13 years old. After 26 years in education, including 12 years as Head of a residential special school in Bolton, Phil was ordained and, following a time in voluntary ministry, he became vicar of several parishes in the Bolton area. He also served as Area Dean for 8 years. On his retirement in 2008, Phil and his wife Sue came to live in Kirkheaton, where two of their three daughters had already settled with their families. He likes to spread the good news of Jesus and to help the Rector and the Church in their ministry.

Miss Wylva Raby is a Licensed Lay Minister (Reader) and a long-standing member of the church. She grew up in the parish, the youngest of a big family. After leaving school, she taught at the infant school in the village, before moving on to additional training and teaching children of all ages with special needs. She is a dog-lover, enjoys walking, folk dancing and classical concerts, though her walks are limited to short ventures at present. In her role as a Lay Pastoral Minister, she is honoured to take home communions and visit members of the community. She heads a team of people who lead a monthly service at the local nursing home, and she also co-ordinates St John’s monthly mid-week service (2nd Tuesday of each month at 10.30am).

Julie was a Primary School teacher, and prior to that, a teaching assistant and child minder – anything to do with children really!

She now enjoys life helping with her husband Steve’s business, playing with her five gorgeous grandchildren and volunteering for church and Girlguiding. A full but lovely life!

More information coming soon…

Stephen formerly worked in the complaints department of Barclays bank. He is the treasurer for both Kirkheaton and Grange Moor. His interests include watching rugby union (as he used to play for Huddersfield YMCA) and going out in his caravan.

Irene has been a member of Kirkheaton Church for over 40 years and feels privileged to hold the office of Warden. She is now retired, after working for many years in the care sector. Her interests are reading, crosswords, sudoku and, when time permits, baking. She likes to socialise, and enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as meeting new people.