Ashington PCC
The PCC (Parochial Church Council) is a group consisting of both elected and non-elected members of the congregation. Its role is to work alongside and support our Vicar, Chris, in the management and administration of the Parish, and to ensure that the many different elements involved - spiritual, legal, financial and missionary are properly considered and applied.
Chris Maclay
I'm Chris Maclay, married to 'one wife' (as they say in Africa!), Louise, and with four children, a couple of dogs, cats, rabbit, bantams etc.
I have been the Vicar here since 2004. Before 'Vicar training' we worked with CMS in Nigeria where I worked to stimulate rural development.
When I can find people to play against, I love tennis and basically most outdoor activities (Yes, love camping!)
My passion is to grow a church where more and more people come to know God and then step out to use the gifts God gives them to serve the Community.
Julie Sear
I’m Julie Sear, the New Curate at Ashington Church. I’m married to Trevor and we have two sons who are ‘looking after’ our house in Haywards Heath! I trained for ordained ministry at Trinity Theological College, Bristol. Prior to that I was on the staff team at All Saints’ Church Lindfield as their full time Pastoral Chaplain.
In my spare time I love walking, reading, good music of any sort and gardening and meeting up with good friends over a meal. My passion is to bring the love and life of Jesus into the church and community and to see lives changed and enabled through the Gospel.
Gill Lewis
I'm a GP at the Glebe Surgery and one of two Church wardens.
I am part of the Worship Team (I take it in turn to play the keyboard and lead the singing). I am also involved with the Prayer Ministry and 'Barnabas' Teams.
I'm married to Peter, who is also on the PCC, and we have two grown up children. I love walking the dog (Sasha) and reading.
Simon Croft
I am one of the Church wardens at Ashington.
Along with a business partner I built up and own 'Crumbs of Sussex', a fresh produce store, selling mainly fruit and vegatables grown by local farms.
I've been coming to Ashington Church since 2000 and I am one of the Children's Ministry (H2O) leaders.
I am married to Lucinda and we have two young children. I teach Ceroc dancing, and love music, sport and the countryside.
Peter Lewis
I'm a Chartered Accountant by profession and although retired I still do quite a bit of administrative and charity work. I am married to Gill (who is one of our Churchwardens) and our two children have flown the nest.
I am kept busy by co-ordinating all the property work being done on the church building and I am the Pastoral Team Leader.I enjoy the finer things in life such as gardening, reading, walking and listening to music, and my passion is writing poetry -I'm still learning though not necessarily improving.
Gaynor McKinnon
I'm Gaynor and I am married to Stuart. I am now full time mum to our young daughter, having been a Flying Instructor since 1997 and then airline pilot since 2001.
I joined the PCC as PCC Secretary in 2008 and I co-ordinate the Ashington Monthly Lunch Club.
I have also recently joined the Prayer Ministry Team.
I continue to fly light aircraft for fun. I also enjoy writing and photography and am passionate about music - from classical to very heavy Christian rock.
Ian Richardson
I'm the Treasurer on the PCC, and it's my job to make sure that as a charity our accounts comply with all the proper legal and financial rules and regulations.
When I'm not doing that, or my day job which is doing technical things with computers for a small traditional building society, I enjoy hill-walking, listening to classical music and escaping into adventures with the 'Famous Five'! I've been married to Sally for a quarter of a century and we have three children.
Brenda Laker
I have lived in Ashington all my life and I have seen a great deal of change to the village and the church.
I am employed as a team leader dealing with shareholders who do not accept company takeovers during the offer period.
My job within the church team is organising the tea/coffee which I enjoy.
My main interests are music, handicrafts, cooking, planning my new garden and walking my dog. I live on my own with my dog Barley, who is a cocker spaniel.
Geoff Tute
I'm married to Mary, and we have two children - a boy and a girl, both at University.
I am a Civil Engineer, and at church I help with the 'techy' stuff such as the PA and Powerpoint systems.
I'm involved with the Property Team and the fund-raising for the repair and refurbishment of the church building.
Mary and I love walking, and we enjoy our Small Group Evenings. I also enjoy a good pint of beer and fine wine.
Carol Johnson
I am a retired social worker, having worked mainly with older people and those with disabilities.
Today I am a Trustee/Director of Dalesdown and the Three Oaks Trust, and within the church I am involved the Property Committee, as well as arranging the flowers and creating the banners that hang in the church. I am also a Deanery Synod representative and our link with Chichester Cathedral.
I'm married to Brian; we have five children and five grandchildren, and I love gardening, painting and craft work, golf and swimming and holidays.
Pat Wallace
I'm Pat and I am married to Bruce; we have two grown up children, Rachel and James. I work part time as a teacher for the 'Out of School Learning Service' and as an adult Education tutor.
Both Bruce and I feel that it is a great privilege to be part of a growing church, and I have picked up a few jobs along the way! I am the Child Protection Officer for the Church. I organise the flower rota, am a member of the World Mission Group, Prayer Ministry team and a lay minister of Communion. I have found this latter office a great blessing.
In my spare time, amongst other things, I enjoy flower arranging, cake decorating and visiting historic houses.
Joy Hammond
I am Joy and I am married to David. We have 3 grown up children, including twins (one of whom lives in Sydney) and six grandchildren to date!
I have been involved in writing, singing and playing Christian music and leading worship all my life, having got my first guitar aged thirteen. Within our church I am on the Pastoral Care team, Prayer Ministry and flower arranging team and I help David with running a house-group.
As well as music I enjoy painting in my spare time.
Dawn Watson-Jones
My name is Dawn, I am married to Chris and we have 4 children, 2 young girls and two teenagers!
We have lived in Ashington for over 10 years and I work part time as an assistant accountant for a travel Insurance company. I have just retired after 10 years as a governor of Ashington First C of E School, having spent 4 years as Chairman of the Board of Governors.
At church I have cooked for our Alpha courses, marriage course and more recently the Monthly Lunch Club. I enjoy time with my children, education, cooking, reading and holidays.
Graham Calvert
My name is Graham and I am married to Jean, with whom I have shared an interesting spiritual journey from being Salvation Army Officers to becoming members at Ashington Parish Church.
Here at Ashington I am a member of the Barnabas team and I chair the World Mission Group.
After over 40 years in medicine (Africa/general practice/palliative care) I am now retired and now enjoy grandchildren, gardening, bird watching and travelling.