"Born and bred in Shropshire, after university and a PGCE my first job was in a sixth-form college in the New Forest, where I taught geography and geology. My husband, Michael, is an engineer, and we have three grown up daughters and three grandchildren. We moved to Ripon about 20-odd years ago with three very young children, and I was to remain a full-time mum for a few more years. We were involved with Holy Trinity straight away, particularly with the CYFA 14-18 group for many years (noe Exodus), and mums and toddlers, and so have seen many changes.

Around 1988, I felt God calling me to full-time ordained ministry, which seemed rather odd as women priests were not allowed at that time, and I was a full time mum - so how could I train, anyway? But by 1992 I found myself ordained deacon, and in 1994 was ordained priest with the first group of women in this diocese.

I have remained at Trinity and love working here. Why? It's the thrill of seeing people begin to become interested in spiritual things, coming to faith and then growing in that faith over a period of time; watching the youngsters grow through the different phases of their spiritual journey, as well."

Revd Wilf Gowing, curate

"I'm Wilf Gowing and I'm from Northern Ireland. After University I joined the Royal Air Force where I flew the Vulcan bomber, the HS125 [VIP flight] and then I was an instructor on the Jet Provost.

Eighteen years ago I joined Monarch Airlines and am still flying as a captain on the Airbus 300. We fly to holiday destinations in Europe in the summer and further afield to India in the winter. I started thinking about ordained ministry six years ago, and was ordained deacon in July 2006. I'm very excited about serving here at Holy Trinity.

I intend to keep working part-time as a pilot while trying to work out what it means to be a 'priest in the workplace.' If you have any thoughts or revelations please let me know! When I'm not flying I'll be at Holy Trinity, trying to work out how to be a deacon. Any ideas about that? 

I have three grown-up daughters and a son-in-law, and I live in Great Ouseburn, the other side of Boroughbridge."

Revd John Rutter, curate

I'm also a ‘foreigner', from Newcastle , but have lived in Ripon for 27 years. I'm married to Cathie, and we are blessed with 3 grown-up children and a grandson.

We came to Ripon in 1980 via Oxford , Nigeria (2 years' VSO) and Cramlington in Northumberland, when I was appointed head of Geography at a nearby CofE high school.

We quickly settled in to an exciting, growing church community and were drawn into a variety of ministries. I set God a challenge by declaring that ‘He'd never get me up into a pulpit' and predictably was very soon involved in leading worship and giving ‘talks', which developed into reader ministry. As a teacher I was both challenged and enthused by courses such as Saints Alive and Alpha, and the personal growth and transformation that occurred in so many people.

Six years ago I gave up teaching and after a year out did a three-year theology course; only afterwards was I reluctantly obedient to what others were saying and went forward for selection for ordination. God's timing is best.

I am still interested in world affairs, and since giving up teaching have visited the Diocese of Machakos, Kenya , and a new link Church in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Since January '06 I have been the diocesan World Development Advisor, concentrating on fair-trade issues.

Since being ordained in the summer of 2007, I have been attached to a chapel in a parish neighbouring Holy Trinity, as a pioneer minister. Unfortunately, no-one seems sure what a pioneer minister is or does. Exploration–just the thing for a retired geography teacher.