Parish Pastoral Council
Tot Charlton (St Agnes')
I have lived in Ryton for over 30 years and our three sons all attended St Agnes’ Primary School where I was a governor for 3 years, now followed by son Fred Wyrley-Birch. I am a sacristan and reader at St Agnes. I work as a part time book keeper and volunteer for Holy Cross Ryton and the Order of Malta. I have raised funds for various charities, teach bridge occasionally and love to knit.
Bob Goldie (St Joseph's)
I have been a member of St. Joseph’s parish for over 10 years. I’m married to Rose, the secretariat for all three parishes, and have two grown-up children. In 2015 our daughter, Suzanne was married at Our Lady of Lourdes, Chopwell. I am the chairperson for the combined finance group, as well as the gift aid representative for St. Joseph’s. Over our adult lives both Rose and I have been active in the church, involved in parish councils, children’s first Holy Communion programmes, as catechists and special ministers. I retired a few years ago, following 30 years working in finance.
Lesley Gregory (St Joseph's)
Bev Hallam (OLL)
I moved into Chopwell from Knaresborough, North Yorkshire in June 2015 on my retirement from secondary school leadership in challenging schools in Bradford and Leeds. We wanted to be closer to family and were soon welcomed into the warm community of Our Lady of Lourdes. I’m a Special Minister of Communion, a Lay Leader of Liturgy and represent OLL on the Partnership Development Group. I’m a member of an Anglo Saxon group and also volunteer for the National Trust at Cherryburn. Being an oblate of the Benedictine Stanbrook Abbey in North Yorkshire is a major part of my spiritual life and commitment.
Geoff Laidler (St Agnes')
I grew up in St Joseph's Highfield Parish, but am now a member of St Agnes' Parish. I am married to Adrienne and have two sons, Patrick Cameron. I have been involved in active ministry since the age of 11, when I started to play the organ at St Joseph's. I still play the organ at St Agnes' and am a member of our music group; I am also the webmaster for this website. I am currently Head of Dame Allan's Junior School, Newcastle ; however, from Sept 2012-July 2018, I had the honour to serve as Headteacher at St Agnes' Primary School.
Graham Coleman (St Agnes')
I'm a church welcomer, assist with offertory and also organise church cleaning. I work in the energy sector for one of the 'big 6' - 'the gas board'. Still relatively new to the faith, I attended the RCIA course in which I undertook baptism, holy communion and confirmation all in one go.
Julie Loughran (OLL)
Fr John James and Deacon Derek Gallagher.