Meet some of the team!

Revd. Kathie Heathcoat

Minister

I'm Kathie, I'm married to Val who is a retired Secondary Maths Teacher. Before beginning training for the ministry in 1993, I worked as an insurance claims handler in Bristol, where I grew up.

Tom Ferguson

Lay Worker

Hello, my name is Tom Ferguson. I am the lay worker for the Upper Valley section of the circuit which now includes Stones Methodist Church.

Interested to hear some more about them?

Revd. Kathie Heathcoat - Minister

I'm Kathie, I'm married to Val who is a retired Secondary Maths Teacher.
Before beginning training for the ministry in 1993, I worked as an insurance claims handler in Bristol, where I grew up.

When I left college I was stationed in Driffield, East Yorkshire before moving to Hull, to Brough, East Yorkshire and then up to Thirsk in North Yorkshire. After 21 years of ministry, I decided it was time to complete the set and was delighted to be asked to come to work in Calderdale, West Yorkshire.

I am passionate about equality for every member of society, and support Fair Trade wherever I can. I enjoy leading worship, particularly using images, poetry and music to bring people closer to God; going out into the community to meet people; engaging in schools work; sharing in Bible Study; and encouraging all people to explore the spiritual side of being human.

I also enjoy making music; walking Pippa, my over-excitable springer spaniel; reading; writing; and photography. We have a OO gauge model railway that Val and I have built together, and we have a canoe in which we explore the rivers and lakes when on holiday.

‭contact me on 01422 884146 or email kathie.heathcoat@​calderdalemethodistcircuit.org.uk​

Tom Ferguson - Lay Worker

Hello, my name is Tom Ferguson. I am the lay worker for the Upper Valley section of the circuit which now includes Stones Methodist Church.

I live with my wife, Diane, in a village called Altofts at the flatter end of the Calder Valley in the Wakefield District. We have four grown-up children and one granddaughter.

I taught in primary education for 20 years before being called to work in the Calderdale Circuit. A lifelong Methodist, I am a local preacher and organist. There is no better combination than the theology and poetry of a Charles Wesley hymn coupled with a strong, singable tune!

I am proud of the Methodist Church’s commitment to inclusion. I believe strongly in the Wesleyan ideal that all people are offered God’s grace in Christ and it is our task to extend that welcome to our neighbours.

Diane and I enjoy travelling around Europe, often driving to France and sometimes Germany, Austria and Italy. It is a wonderful way to experience the wonder of God’s creation as well as croissants, baguettes, cheese, ice-cream, cakes and, dare I say as a good Methodist, the occasional glass of wine or beer!

I enjoy watching rugby league, experiencing the highs and – more often than not – lows of following Castleford Tigers.

‭contact me on 07903 045614‬​  or email:
tom.ferguson@
calderdalemethodistcircuit.org.uk