David Robinson - Vicar

I have lived most of my life in West Yorkshire, although originally coming from Leicester. I attended local schools in Bradford, obtained a science degree from Durham University and then entered the Probation Service. I worked in a hostel for two years before obtaining a professional qualification and M.A. in Social Work from Leicester University. I returned to Bradford to work as a Probation Officer based at the City Courts, but covering the large Holmewood estate. I later specialized in conciliation work for the Divorce Courts. 

I became a Christian when I was 15 years old, I was active in my local Church before being called into the ordained ministry. I was first a Curate and then Vicar in four Churches in Shipley, Keighley, Bramhope and now Chapel Allerton. I am married to Susan and we have two grown up children.

My interests include architecture, the history of sailing and the art, history and food of Northern Italy.


Sue Rusholme (rush-home)

As the 'new' Curate, I came later in life to the ordained ministry, as up until July 2009 I worked full time as an adviser with Halifax Bank PLC. I had been in the banking industry for 23 years but decided to retire early to devote more time to my studies (BA in Thelogy and Pastoral Studies, Leeds University) at the Mirfield Centre and ultimately Parish Ministry.
 
Since August 2009 I have worked as the Personal Assistant to the Director of Mission Resourcing, at the diocesan office in St Mary's Street. You can find me there four mornings per week. I feel really blessed to be able to combine this part time post with self supporting ministry and I am now beginning to establish a pattern for that ministry at St. Matthew's. Having now served my 'probationary' year as Deacon, I was ordained Priest at a wonderful service and celebration of ministry on 3rd July 2011.
 
I have a passion for all things Yorkshire, as a proud Yorkshire lass, born in Middlesbrough I have lived in Hull, Beverley, Wakefield, Garforth and now Cookridge, emigrating to London only for a brief spell. I also have a passion for fair trade chocolate. The greatest loves of my life are my two 'children' Helen and Jonathan, of whom I am very proud. Having been brought up as a cradle Anglican but lapsed during college years it was not until after Helen was born that I returned to church and the rest they say is history; although I ignored my calling to ordination for a number of years on the grounds that I cannot sing. Please don't ask me to sing. You will regret it!
 
It is a joy and a privilege to serve God and the good people of Chapel Allerton with the congregation of St. Matthews and the wider church. I have much to learn and look forward to deepening my knowledge and love of God as we develop on our journey in faith and love together.
 
Jesus said: 'I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another.' John 13: 34 - 35.

Canon Roger Robinson

An honorary member of the team. Ordained deacon in 1948 and priest in 1949 at Norwich Cathedral. I have worked in parishes in Great Yarmouth, Hull, York, St. Chad's in Leeds, and Drayton and Felthorpe near Norwich, and as part-time hospital chaplain at Clifton, York, and Drayton. I retired from full-time ministry in 1991. I am a member of the congregation as was my late wife, Pauline, and I exercise ordained ministry from time to time here at St. Matthew's.


Sue Sanderson - Reader

I have been worshipping at St. Matthew's for over 20 years, ever since I moved into the area when I got married - well, that's not strictly true; I was actually baptised at St. Matthew's as a baby and so my connections stretch back further than I care to remember! I grew up in Alwoodley, attended St. Barnabas Church and came back to St. Matthew's via a time studying in Sheffield.

Over the years my involvement in the worshipping community of St. Matthew's has grown. I have been encouraged and enabled by the support of others. Alongside this my faith and trust in God has deepened despite or perhaps even because of times of sadness and questioning. I feel both excited and privileged to be able to serve Christ in this community.

Richard Oliver - Reader

Born in 1955, I was licensed as a Reader in October 2009. Coming to this point of commitment was a journey of discovery for me – of the joy of learning and receiving (I am now beginning an MA in Theology and Religious Studies) as well as the joy of ministering and giving (in a busy parish such as St. Matthew’s). Although in my fifties, I feel very ‘young-at-heart’!

As a boy I grew up in the Roman Catholic Church, then as a young adult I worshipped in the Baptist Church for 18 years before joining the Church of England in 2000. During this life journey I have been greatly influenced by the spiritualities of Northumbria, Iona, Taize and L’Arche, and I see myself as a deeply ecumenical Christian who rejoices in the diversity of our denominations, here in Chapel Allerton and Meanwood - as together we seek God’s face.

I have been very happily married to Rosie (whom I met at College) since 1982. We have so much in common – apart from our shared Christian faith we are both keen musicians. Both of us work in education with people with learning difficulties, and both are members of the diocesan retreats group for adults with a learning disability. We are also both involved with young people’s groups at St. Matthew’s: Rosie co-leads the junior confirmation group, and I co-lead a youth cell for 12-13 year olds.

One of the joys of St. Matthew’s for me is to see the flowering of the life of God as lived among our wonderfully diverse congregation. I rejoice in the creativity of our young people as seen in the SMASH group, the Family Services and the Youth Eucharist services. I also rejoice when I am part of a family of people worshipping in the Parish Eucharist whilst also having fun together in the annual Barn Dance. Long may it continue.


Sheelagh Spinks - Reader Emeritus

Following 17 years of service, Sheelagh has now retired as reader and becomes Reader Emeritus.