Philip Sowerbutts - Vicar (overall church leader)

Philip is married to Claire and they have two children. Before being ordained, Philip did a variety of jobs in primary education and teacher training. He trained for the ministry at Oak Hill Theological College in London where he is now also a visiting lecturer. Philip is a trainer on the Lichfield Diocesan Continuing Ministerial Education Team. Before coming to Stafford he was the Acting Vicar of St Lukes, Willerby, in East Yorkshire. Philip's hobbies are collecting vinyl records for his beloved Rowe AMI Juke Box, supporting Blackburn Rovers FC and writing and recording music. His album 'Grace' was released in 2008.

Contact Philip: vicar@castlechurch.org.uk

Christine Sykes – Associate Minister (Pastoral Care)

Christine is married to Ian and they have a daughter. She is a long-standing member of Castle Church and was lay-reader before being called to ordained ministry. She trained for the ministry at Queens College Birmingham. Before ministry, both Christine and Ian worked in the coal industry. At Castle Church, as well as being involved in regular ministerial work, Christine co-ordinates Pastoral Visiting.

Contact Christine: chris@castlechurch.org.uk

Phil Mullins – Curate (from June 2013)

Phil is married to Chloe. Before training for the ministry at Oak Hill Theological College, Phil worked on the staff of All Saints, in Crowborough. Phil is well-travelled and has worked all around the world including Sydney and amongst the slums of Delhi! In his spare time Phil enjoys hiking, swimming, skiing, amateur photography.

Contact Phil: phil@castlechurch.org.uk

Dalena Deall - Administrator

Dalena is married to Les and they have two grown-up daughters. Before working for Castle Church, Dalena worked as a PA for Areva. As well as day-to-day administration, Dalena co-ordinates the weddings at Castle Church.

Contact Dalena: admin@castlechurch.org.uk

Ros Clarke - Training and Discipleship Pastor

Ros is originally from Stafford, though in recent years she has lived all over the UK and even in America. During that time, she has worked as a chef, a maths teacher, a Greek teacher and a parish assistant, but mostly she has been a perpetual student. She has a degree from Oak Hill Theological College, spent a couple of years at a seminary in Philadelphia, and is currently completing her PhD on the Song of Songs. Ros is working part time for Castle Church alongside her other job...writing novels!

Contact Ros: ros@castlechurch.org.uk

Gareth Evans – Ministry Apprentice

Gareth is from Wolverhampton. He is working full-time for Castle Church whilst exploring a call to the ordained ministry through the Lichfield Diocese. Gareth enjoys rugby and plays for Stafford Rugby Club. He enjoys playing drums and is trying to learn guitar!

Contact Gareth: gareth@castlechurch.org.uk

Rev Alan Hodson – Honorary Associate Minister

Alan is married to Jan. He has led churches in London, South Wales and Scotland. Alongside his teaching and mentoring work at Castle Church, Alan is working towards a Phd on the Holy Spirit in the book of Hebrews.

Rev Roy Ball – Honorary Associate Minister

Pauline Howard – Verger/Caretaker

Pauline is married to Roy and they have two grown up sons. Together they have cared for the Castle Church buildings for over 40 years.

Other Contacts

Church Wardens
Barbara Boote & Steve Deall
churchwarden@castlechurch.org.uk