Vicar of the benefice

of Clitheroe, Downham and Chatburn.

Revd Dr Judith Clark
Reverend Dr. Judith Clark

I am delighted to have taken up my role as Vicar of the benefice of Clitheroe, Downham and Chatburn. I grew up in Lancashire, firstly in Burnley and then in the Ribble Valley and attended Moorland School in Clitheroe for my secondary education, so I really do feel as if I am coming home and I can't wait to serve the people, communities and area. I very much look forward with much joy to meeting you all.
I trained for ministry at Ripon College Cuddesdon before serving the majority of my curacy at The Minster and Parish Church of St Peter-at-Leeds. In September 2022 I started working at St Peter's Church in Harrogate. When my curacy ended, I stayed on as Associate Priest (SSM). Throughout my training I studied for a Dphil (PhD) through Oriel College at The University of Oxford. My thesis focuses on the Songs of the Sabbath Sacrifice, a liturgical document that was discovered amongst the Dead Sea Scrolls and dates from the Second Temple Period. As part of my degree I spent four months living and working in Jerusalem which was an excellent opportunity and a wonderful experience.
The two years before I started ordination training were spent working as a Pastoral Assistant for the Joint Benefice of St Michael and All Angels, Beckwithshaw and St. Robert of Knaresborough Pannal. Prior to this, I was reading for my Undergraduate Degree in Religions and Theology, followed by my M.A Degree in Biblical Studies, both from The University of Manchester.
I love travelling and enjoy the thrill of discovering new places as much as uncovering the ‘new’ when re-visiting old favourites. Time spent with family and friends, going to the theatre or cinema, trying different restaurants, reading, listening to music, drama and kickboxing are also all pastimes which I enjoy – when the opportunity arises!

Associate Minister

with responsibility for Christ Church, Chatburn and St.Pauls, Low Moor, Clitheroe.

Revd. Catherine Hale-Heighway
Revd. Catherine Hale-Heighway

Catherine is married to John and loves music and good food. She is looking forward to sharing ministry in the benefice and continuing to develop a church that reaches out and grows together in faith.

Hon Assistant Priest

Co-opted PCC member (ex officio)

Revd Anne Hardacre
Revd. Anne Hardacre

Married to Derek. Enjoying an active retirement including walking & volunteering for the Wildlife Trust as well as my active involvement with the church. 

Churchwarden

Daphne Porter Churchwarden
Daphne Porter

Daphne has been a member of Christ church all her life. She had held the office of Assistant Church Warden for a number of years before being appointed Churchwarden in May 2013. Daphne has cared for the church over many years, and with a very responsible approach to many situations and the organisation which is necessary in keeping the fabric and spirit of the church alive. 

Churchwarden

Churchwarden
David Ascroft

We are pleased to announce that David has agreed to take on this important role of church warden. It is Davids second reprise in this role.

Honorary Treasurer

Treasurer
Maggie Ingham

We welcome Maggie who takes over as our Treasurer after the 2022 Annual Parocial Church meeting (30th April 2023).

Outgoing - Honorary Treasurer

Treasurer
Valerie Mewis

Incumbent until the 2022 Annual Parocial Church meeting (30th April 2023). Valerie has done a sterling job fulfilling this role, stepping into the breach when our previous treasurer resigned.

Fire Officer

Fire Officer
Paul Whittaker

Welcome to Paul in his new role in 2022

Our fire alert and evacuation policy

Safeguarding Officer

Vikki Hall - Safeguarding Officer
Vikki Hall

If you have any safeguarding issues please contact Vikki Hall.

Vision Champion

Lynn Farrimond - Vision Champion
Lynn Farrimond

Vision Champions literally ‘champion’ everything related to Vision 2026 within their parish, being an encouraging lay voice working with their clergy, PCC and congregation to take new opportunities for mission and growth. Lynn posts the progress on a regular basis found on this link.

Sunday Club Leader and Electoral Roll Officer.

Joanne Travis - Sunday Club Leader
Joanne Travis

Our Sunday Club Leader who also organises our Messy Church, Sunday Club activities and our Posada at Christmas on Facebook.

PCC Honorary Secretary 

Annette Dugdale Secretary to PCC
Annette Dugdale

My role is to transcribe notes at all the different meetings and then send copies of them out to P.C.C. members. I also notify members of the P.C.C. times of meetings, issue relevant documents and agendas to facilitate meetings. Attending to correspondence is another of my roles.

Organist

Roy Porter
Roy Porter

I feel very privileged to be entrusted with accompanying the singing on most Sundays and feel very grateful to you all for your enthusiastic response to my unconventional style of playing both organ and piano.

Editor of the Village Newsletter

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Revd. Canon David Mewis

Chatburn Village Newsletter goes out in the name of both Christ Church and Chatburn Methodist Church to each home in Chatburn and Worston. The Newsletter should be seen as primarily a tool of outreach and service for the churches as well as interest to those involved in the villages.

Pastoral Care

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Judith Barnes

I have been a parishioner at Christ Church, Chatburn since moving to the area  in 2015. My role is to provide pastoral care and support for the parish / local community.

Deanary Synod Representatives

Lynn Farrimond and Daphne Porter.

Other PCC Members

Valerie Mewis, Cllr Gary Scott, Estelle Bolton, Lynn Farrimond, Cllr Paul Whittaker, David Ascroft, Steven Turner and Joanne Travis (Electrol Roll Officer).

Sidespersons

Derek Hardacre, Revd Anne Hardacre (co-opted), Nan Clough, Anne Perrett, Cllr Paul Whittaker and Estelle Bolton.


Updated as at 13/03/2024