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 with two grown up children and have recently celebrated my 30th wedding anniversary.


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


Mandy Coutts - Curate

I joined the staff team in July 2006 having completed the first part of my training, a degree in Theology and Ministry at Cranmer Hall; part of St John's College in Durham. My role as curate is very varied, with no two days being the same. St Matthew's is a large busy Church with a heart for the community. This means that my work is very diverse, challenging and always interesting.

As part of the staff team I take part in attending and leading services which includes preaching. I attend daily Morning Prayer during the week. Praying for the community and seeking God's heart for his people is central to everything that I do. I am also involved with the occasional offices; - funerals, baptisms and weddings. I am also part of the Worship Committee, Family Service Planning Team and Healing Service Planning Team. St. Matthew's also has strong links with St. Matthew's School, which involves members of the staff team, including myself, regularly going into the school to do assemblies and taking part in services that the school come into Church for. I am also part of a small team that worship's with the residents at Harrogate Lodge.

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.

Sheelagh Spinks - Reader

It was whilst living in Kenya that I first became a regular church goer. Michael and I were planning to marry in the principal Church of Scotland in the capital, Nairobi. The Minister, the Rev'd Donald Aitkin, welcomed me but was surprised that I had not been confirmed. I made him a promise that I would do just that when we returned to the United Kingdom. Back in England we had to find a place to live and after a short time in the Lake District, settled in London where Michael was offered the job of House Manager at Streatham Ice Rink. I had my baby, Romy, and remembered my promise to Donald Aitkin and became confirmed.

When Romy was eighteen months old we all came to Leeds and I started to attend St. Matthew's Church. It was during the Rev'd Michael Cross' time that I was encouraged to start 'Reader Training' which I completed under the aegis of Rev'd Steve Jarrett. I have had several jobs during my time in Yorkshire. Initially I joined the staff of the Royal Automobile Club to do the daily 'Coastal Weather Broadcast' on B.B.C. Radio Leeds: This occupation was later expanded to take on the duty of Senior Receptionist.

After retirement, I became a 'playground supervisor' at St. Matthew's Primary School where I enjoyed eleven years being with our young people. I still continue to have contact with the young people of our parish by participating in 'Teddy Praise'. It still gives me great pleasure to be an active member of St. Matthews and, God willing, I hope to continue so to be.

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. Just this last October I was licensed as a Reader. I feel both excited and privileged to be able to serve Christ in this community.