OUR LOCATIONS
St Luke's Church Centre
Franklin Square, Harrogate
HG1 5EL
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St John's Church
Bilton Lane, Harrogate
HG1 3DT
Parish Office
St John's Church
Bilton Lane, Harrogate
HG1 3DT
T: 01423 565129
E: church@stjohnsandstlukes.org.uk
Parish Office Opening Times:
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9.30am-1.00pm
Tuesday 11.30am-1pm
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If you have any questions regarding baptisms or weddings; or would like to discuss anything with one of the clergy, make contact with one of them directly, or through the parish office to arrange a meeting.
WHO'S WHO
CLERGY
I'M AN ORIGINAL CATCHPHRASE
Matthew Hunter - Team Rector
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​Matthew was ordained in 2012, following training at Ripon College Cuddesdon. After a curacy at Halifax Minster, he moved to Hexham Abbey in Northumberland, before serving as a parish priest in Newcastle. Matthew returned to the Diocese of Leeds to take up the role of Team Rector here in Bilton in 2025.
Originally from Darlington, Matthew met his wife Emily when they both worked at Hexham Abbey, and having also married there, they now have a young daughter.
Matthew's somewhat eclectic interests include biblical studies, Lego, politics, sport, and popular culture!
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To contact Matthew email: matthew.hunter@leeds.anglican.org
Laura Martin - Team Vicar
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Laura is married to Phil, and they have two teenage sons. Before training for ordination, she worked as a midwife in Leeds and then as an administrator at a busy primary school. She enjoys curling up with a good book, baking, getting out for long walks in the countryside and spending quality time with family and friends – preferably in a cosy café with a wedge of homemade cake! Laura has a heart for pastoral care, is passionate about people and wants everyone to know how precious they are to God.
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To contact Laura email: laura.martin@leeds.anglican.org
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young people's worker
Young People's Worker - recruiting right now!
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To contact email: youthwork@stjohnsandstlukes.org.uk
CHURCH ADMINISTRATION AND SAFEGUARDING
Gill Clarke - Parish Administrator and
Parish Safeguarding Officer
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Gill lives with her partner Greg, has three young children and an ever-growing number of chickens. Coming from a life-long career in Retail Management, her Parish Administrator role now allows her a balanced family life. She loves reading, camping, dancing and going to live music events and has recently discovered a love for running.
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To contact Gill email: church@stjohnsandstlukes.org.uk
Service LEADER
Jan Johnson - Reader
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CHURCHWARDENS
Alethea Fry - Churchwarden (St Luke's)
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Alethea is originally from the Midlands but has lived in Harrogate for almost 20 years. She has 2 teenagers and is married to Steve. When she is not working as a Podiatrist she can be found with a good book!
Colin Ashurst - Churchwarden (St Luke's)
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Colin, with his wife Judith, is a relative newcomer to Harrogate. He retired from Newcastle University Business School where his focus was business transformation enabled by IT & trying to help students develop their ‘craft’ skills of leadership & management. Between Newcastle and Harrogate, Colin was in Cumbria and had the opportunity to join in the ‘fresh expressions’ movement of church seeking to reach 'new people in new places in new ways'. He’s enjoying a range of different ventures around Harrogate not least gardening, cooking & visiting Filey.
Jane Reichert - Churchwarden (St John's)
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Jane grew up at St John’s. She is a retired modern languages teacher but spent the last 16 years of her career as Safeguarding Lead in a Pupil Referral Unit. She has two grown up children, Thomas and Hannah. In her free time she enjoys walking, gardening, travelling, spending time with her children, and grandchild and adventures in her antiquated motorhome, Barney-Van.
Nigel Thompson - Churchwarden (St John's)
ORGANIST AND CHOIR MISTRESS
AT ST JOHN'S
Ruth Yarborough
Ruth was born in Bilton and into St John’s Church family. Ruth was a chorister with her Dad and sister and studied BA hons Music at St John’s College York where she was Choral Scholar at York Minster.
Ruth has a passion for singing as an important way to express her relationship with God.
Ruth works at Harrogate Ladies’ College as singing teacher and choir leader.