Staff and Leadership

Please find below an introduction to our church leaders and members of staff.

Church SR Staff 20250902
We are excited that Keith, Heather, Barry, Ruth and Anna are now leading our commitment to children and young people, along with a team of volunteers.
Church SR Leadership 20250902
 
Church SR Website SL 20250902   IMG 0315
Rev. Dr Stephen Lindridge   Josh Simpson
Husband of 34 years to Elaine, dad to Ruth, Samuel and daughter-in-law Liberty.

I've served the Methodist Church as a Presbyter since 1994, initially in Gateshead, then across the Newcastle District as Evangelism Enabler and more recently as Chair of District, and also Connexionally working in the ecumenical Fresh Expressions Team.

I’m an encourager by heart and reflective thinker. One of my passions is learning more how people journey to faith in Jesus and did my doctorate in how people were coming to faith in fresh expressions of church. I describe himself as a gentle evangelist, prayerful eclectic, naturally ecological and…an improving golfer. All but the last comment may be true!
  My SRMC journey started at the age of 16 while doing our usual pre-show meditation to Ronan Keating’s ‘life is a rollercoaster’ at the church drama group, Spread. It was in the stillness of that moment a thought appeared in my head, but a thought that I had no part in thinking myself. It simply said ‘You need to come here’. The thought was definite and obvious, and I knew it was Jesus. I’m now 30 and have been here since! 

Over the 13 years I’ve been here, I’ve served in different areas of the church - currently I’m a member of CYM (the children & youth team) of which I’m the project treasurer, and I also help to organise a monthly service called THE WAY which is for the whole circuit and has a contemporary style. 

Coming from a different denomination, I have a passion for ecumenism and unity in the church.

Being part of the SRMC family has brought me closer to my God as I’ve learned from others here how to have intimacy with Jesus. My journey here and with Jesus has lead me to start the process of Discerning Ordained Vocation with the Methodist Church. Talk to me about our Discipleship Groups.

I like to talk about food, theatre - and of course Jesus! 

 
Church SR Website JC 20250903   Church SR Website BS 20241016
Jan Charlton       Boomie Shodeinde,
Jan will introduce herself here soon.   Boomie will introduce himself here soon.






 

 
Helen Johnson 2   Sharon Mackie
Helen Johnson   Sharon Mackie
I have been worshipping at the Strathmore Road Methodist Church since my early 20s. I am proud that our church seeks justice and looks to serve those around us. I’m passionate about the church being an inclusive and open space for all and journeying together in the 21st Century.  
 
I have a little boy and am involved with the family and youth work at our church including running our monthly Forest Church sessions.

Speak to me about this special gathering, questions around family activities and about inclusivity for all. 
  I started at SRMC 12 years ago having searched long and hard for a place to worship and define my faith after leaving the Catholic Church.
I am involved in Sunday Club, Bridges and the worship band.

My passions are my family, Simon and our dogs Apple and Agnes.

I hope my time on leadership can move the church forward and keep up all the good work from the last 12 years. This church is at the very centre of my life and has shown me a way to worship God without guilt and regret.

Speak to me about anything, from church to dogs to Keswick. No subject is off limits.

 

 
Church SR Website LT SD 202505   Church SR Website LT SR 202409
Sandra Dixon   Sue Robson
I have been worshipping at Strathmore Road since 2011, when I married Paul and moved to the area. I was born in Wolverhampton and moved to Darlington when I was 13.  I began going to church after joining a church youth club in my late teens.

I have been active in church life in various roles, and I trained as a Local Preacher during my time in Darlington.

Since finishing work I have been seeking what God has in store for me next!

I am a Church Steward at Strathmore Road and I am part of the 'With Wednesday' team at Chopwell Methodist Church and I want to see God moving in Chopwell.

I want to see people come to know Jesus, and for us all to grow and deepen our faith in our Lord, through prayer, teaching and fellowship.
  I joined this church as a child in Sunday School in the 1960s, and have worshipped here and been active in many groups and committees ever since. Now, my husband, children and grandchildren in the church keep me connected with the hopes and dreams across the generations. I am currently Church Council Secretary, and have been involved with the mission and business of the Circuit and District too, so I can usually help if you need to know how things work and who does what.
 
Other things I enjoy are old-fashioned homecrafts, walking and pottering in the fresh air, and helping people resource their own passions (perhaps with stuff from my years of hoarding, or by putting them in touch with other people and places).

 
Keith  
PHOTO-2025-04-03-15-52-33
Keith Crulley   Bryn Lauder
I started coming to SRMC when I was a teenager and have been the part-time youth worker here for over 20 years. 

I also work for Gateshead Council supporting families in the local area. In my spare time I love movies, retro games and the Lake District although I prefer a short, flat walk these days! I am passionate about seeing children and youth getting to know Jesus in an ‘all are welcome’ family church. 

Talk to me about anything to do with children, families and youth.
  I have been worshipping at Strathmore Road Methodist Church most of my life, having attended various children’s groups, then youth clubs and so on.

I work for the Evangelism & Growth team of the Methodist Church in GB, coordinating the church's evangelistic presence at festivals and major events across the UK.

I am passionate about the church's commitment to being justice seeking, evangelistic and inclusive and love to see those values come to life at Strathmore Road.

 
Anna Girling   Church SR Website BW 20231011
Anna Girling   Barry Watkin
Hi, I’m Anna. I live in Winlaton with my husband James and our son. I love being outdoors, spending time with friends, and enjoying good food! 

I grew up at SRMC, and I’m excited to be back and part of the team while covering Heather’s maternity leave.

I’ve been involved in youth work for over 15 years, both in church and community settings. I’m passionate about building encouraging relationships and creating spaces where young people can encounter Jesus; and grow into the people He has made them to be.

I’m really looking forward to all that God has in store in this season.
  I started my role as Youth and Community Outreach Pioneer in September ‘23 to focus on the areas of Rowlands Gill, Highfield, High Spen and Chopwell. I am looking forward to working with Heather and the team, engaging with young people and sharing God's love across the area. 

I enjoy football, athletics, fishing, British touring cars and walking my Labrador dog George.

Ask me about anything Youth work or even Liverpool football club! 

 
Rh Headshot   Leadership team picture
Ruth Hallatt   .John Clark
I started my role at SRMC in 2023 and I absolutely adore my job. I have been able to use all of my past roles from primary school teacher, support worker, music student and Christian Union president -they have all prepared me thoroughly for this role. I get really excited talking to children about Jesus and love watching young people’s faith develop, seeing them grow in faith and gifts. I also love crafting and the more glitter the better in my opinion!

I live in Lockhaugh with my gorgeous family which includes Matt, my husband of nearly 12 years, my son and daughter and our Cockapoo dog Bertie who turned 8 this year! As a family we love being in the outdoors either on walks, finding new places to explore or playing in our garden.

I love a good cup of tea (my 7 years of living in Yorkshire really enhanced this passion) and a catch up with friends!
  .I have been involved in the Methodist Church all my life and became a
Christian when I was 17.

My wife and I have been attending this church since the early 2000s, and are very happy to be worshiping here.

I am a member of the Church Council and one of the vestry stewards. I
occasionally take a small part in the drama group’s Christmas pantomime.
 
 

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Glenys
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