Ministers

Revd David Speirs

I grew up in Bristol and studied law at the University of Bristol. I also have degrees in theology and ministry from the University of Bristol and a research master’s in theology and religion from the University of Exeter. I have worked in the charitable, local government, and higher education sectors.

I did my formational training for ministry at the Queen’s Foundation in Birmingham. During my training I undertook placements in a wide variety of ministry contexts both in the UK and overseas.

My first appointment was in the Hull (Centre & West Methodist) Circuit, where I had three churches in my pastoral charge. I also served as an acting university chaplain, presbyteral chaplain to the One Opportunity programme, chair’s chaplain to the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, and Methodist Conference representative. I have experience in establishing new projects and initiatives, specialist training in youth and children’s ministry, and have served in urban and rural contexts.

In my spare time I enjoy reading, watching films, going to the theatre, cooking, walking, and visiting historic places and gardens.

Revd Dr Samantha Gillard

I come to Northampton after completing my formational training for presbyteral ministry at The Queen’s Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education in Birmingham. My training has included a MA in Theology, Ministry & Mission, and a wide variety of placements in different ministry contexts. I bring to the Northampton Methodist Circuit a passion to share God’s unconditional love, and an excitement to become part of the ministry team, of one church, with ten worshipping communities.

I have lived in many different places across the UK, going to school in Bristol and Melksham. I trained to become a physiotherapist in Bristol; once qualified in 1992, I spent some time volunteering as a physiotherapist in Rwanda, returning to the UK to take up my first physiotherapy position in Swindon, Wiltshire.  My career as a physiotherapist has taken me to various hospitals across England. I completed my MSc in Healthcare practice in Oxford, and my doctorate, in Women’s Health physiotherapy at Teesside University, graduating in 2020. Prior to candidating for the Methodist ministry, I was course lead for physiotherapy at the University of Worcester.

I am married with three grown up sons, who live and work in various places across the UK. To relax: I enjoy walking our dogs in the countryside; multiple different crafts including, sewing and crochet; reading; musical theatre; traveling and exploring the history of different countries, and watching a wide variety of drama’s.

Revd Ian Forsyth

Revd Alan Sharp

Circuit Stewards

Hellen Okello

Awaiting content

Liz Hale

Awaiting content

Pam Kirkland

I am a member of Kingsthorpe Methodist Church and also a Local Preacher. I retired (early!) 6 years ago, having spent my entire career as a primary teacher / head teacher, mainly in schools in Northamptonshire. Since then I have been making up for lost time, following the interests & hobbies for which working as a teacher gave me no time ….somehow that resulted in me becoming a Circuit Steward (still not sure how THAT happened!).

I enjoy travelling, so my retirement present to myself was a small campervan, known as ‘Trevor’. Trevor and I have visited all parts of the UK, plus the Irish Republic, but haven’t yet braved the continent. I have also travelled to do voluntary work, including to Chile, as part of the Methodist / Anglican ‘Experience Exchange Programme’ – a wonderful year, which enabled me to visit Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada & several other countries in South America. Since retirement, I have been to Greece, teaching in a refugee camp near Athens. Other interests include hill-walking – the Lake District is my favourite place in Britain – although the upward slog often induces existential questions, such as ‘Why am I doing this?’ In addition, I collect old children’s books, which are beginning to take over my house; this interest has led to many new friendships and places to visit. And it was through reading a VERY old children’s book (Christie’s Old Organ – some of you may remember it) that I became a Christian when I was 10…..God truly works in strange ways!! I have been a Chelsea fan since 1970, and am now fortunate to be able to attend many of their games. Finally, I am heavily involved in the exciting developments at Kingsthorpe, as we explore new ways of being church and look forward to our new building.

In my capacity as a Circuit Steward, I enjoy researching new initiatives and taking on projects, as well as getting to know the different churches and personnel across the Circuit.

Phil Leeson

Awaiting content

Circuit Treasurer

Keith Brooks

Married to Jenny with three grown up children Naomi, Matthew and Rebecca.
I have worshipped at St Andrews since it opened, and prior to that attended the old Harlestone Road Church in St James. I have been an accredited and active local preacher for over 40 years. 

 I am the Director of the Northamptonshire Health Charity which is the main local charity organising support for the NHS in Northamptonshire and am also a trustee of NHS Charities Together.

Previously I worked for Northampton General Hospital as Financial Controller and prior to that had worked as a Rail Industry Accountant for 25 years.
Spare time ?  Gardening, supporting the Saints and railway modelling.

Lay Workers

Sarah Eason (Circuit Administrator)

My parents Jim & Pauline attended Sandhill Road Methodist Church, & we continued to worship at St Andrews Methodist Church before transferring our membership to Harpole.

My background is working  in a bank for 28 years, before moving on to work in a School as a Teaching Assistant both as an SEN one to one & within the classroom. I have been an Officer in the Boys Brigade for over 30 years, however  am not an active officer at the moment. I have done voluntary work as a member of the Parish Council, I am a Trustee of the Combined Harpole Charitable Trust, as well as doing the secretarial work for this body and for the Methodist Chapel within Harpole. I have also been a School Governor in Harpole. I am the Safeguarding Officer for Harpole Methodist Church. And am Data Champion for the Northampton District.

I am a keen gardener, I like walking, bird watching, I love the sea and I enjoy spending time with my friends & family.

I am here to help you when and where required and will come to you if you would prefer, no job is too big or too small – just ask!