People

VICAR: The Revd Anthony Howe, MA (Oxon) 

Fr Anthony was born in 1972 in Suffolk where he grew up, before going up to Oxford to read for a degree in Music at The Queen’s College, during which time he also sang as a choral scholar in the chapel choir. He trained for the priesthood at St Stephen’s House, Oxford, at which he read for a second Oxford degree, in Theology. He was ordained Deacon in 2001 and priest in 2002 in the Diocese of Oxford. 

Fr Anthony’s first ordained post was that of Assistant Curate in the parish of St John the Evangelist, Newbury, in the Diocese of Oxford. He moved up to Yorkshire in 2004, and following a brief period as Diocesan Communications Officer he joined the clergy staff at Monk Bretton and Athersley, in Barnsley, as an Assistant Priest. In May 2006, he was inducted as Vicar of the United Benefice of Staincliffe and Carlinghow. 

Fr Anthony is interested in art, architecture and books, as well as music. He has composed several musical settings of the mass and has sometimes even been called upon to play the organ. He has been a contributor to its recently published 150th anniversary history of the Society of the Holy Cross, In this Sign Conquer. Fr Anthony is also interested in theological questions surrounding God and time, how these might lead to a simpler presentation of Christian Doctrine. 

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HONORARY ASSISTANT PRIESTS

Fr Malcolm Inman

Fr Malcolm trained for the priesthood at Brastead Place in Kent and the Episcopal Theological College in Edinburgh. He served in curacies in Lundwood and Heckmondwike before becoming Vicar of Wrenthorpe where he was also Chaplain at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield. After this, Fr Malcolm was Vicar of St John’s Cleckheaton and Chaplain to the Burma Star Association. He retired in 1998.

Fr Russell Ashworth 

Fr Russell was brought up and learnt the faith at St Thomas Huddersfield. He trained for the Priesthood at Kelham and Lichfield, returning to the Diocese of Wakefield to serve his title at All Saints Castleford. Fr Russell’s first parish was at Clipstone in Nottinghamshire. After this he was Vicar of Bolton-upon-Dearne, in the Diocese of Sheffield and finally Vicar of Holy Innocents Thornhill Lees. Fr Russell retired in 1998.

ORGANIST AND DIRECTOR OF MUSIC: Nicholas Whitaker BMus. (Edin.) FASC

Nicholas was brought up in Wakefield where he attended Queen Elizabeth Grammar School. He sung in the Cathedral Choir there, both as a boy Chorister and later as a Lay Clerk. Nicholas read Music at Edinburgh where he also sung in the choir of S. Mary's Cathedral. In 2006, he founded the Assumption Consort to sing for occasional services at Christ Church. He was appointed Organist and Director of Music at Christ Church in 2011. Contact Nicholas

ORGANIST EMIRITUS: Gordon Goldthorp BA, ARCO

Brought up in Batley where he attended the Grammar School, Gordon later studied Music at Leeds and Reading Universities. He returned home, and taught music for most of his life at Batley Grammar School where he was eventually Head of Music. In July 2011, after many years faithful service, Gordon retired as Director of Music, to become Organist Emeritus. He still plays on occasions and sings tenor in the parish choir. He has a passion for buses.

HEAD SERVER AND ART DIRECTOR: Gary Cromack MA

Gary trained at Leeds, Cardiff and Manchester, and is the Art Director at Staincliffe. His job involves the organizing and setting up of the Art Exhibitions and Installations in the church. A professional artist himself, Gary works at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. You can find out more about the Arts Project at Stainclffe, by going to the Arts page. 

Keeping in touch

Contact Fr Anthony on  
01924 473343

or by email       vicar@staincliffe.co.uk 

Christ Church Staincliffe 
Staincliffe Hall Road,
Batley,
West Yorkshire.
WF17 7QX
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THE TOWER

The Christ Church Staincliffe occasional Newsletter, published every two months.
 
Contact the editor at tower@staincliffe.co.uk

The Parish Office
01924 473343