Meet some of the key players at Holy Cross
Our Priest-in-Charge is the Reverend Alison Stewart Smith. Alison and her husband Richard moved from Swaledale to Winlaton in February, where Rev. Alison is also Priest-in-Charge of St Paul's Church. Although Richard is a true Yorkshireman, Alison grew up in Bedlington and is very pleased to have come home to the North East.
Before ordination, Alison mainly worked in education in various capacities - teacher, teaching assistant, administrator - but also worked at Scargill House retreat and conference centre in Wharfedale where she met Richard. She also had the privilege of spending two years working as the Sacristan in Iona Abbey as part of the Iona Community's resident staff group on the island.
Alison loves music and plays a variety of instruments, some with more enthusiasm than skill, as well as enjoying singing. She is also a reluctant runner and cyclist!
I'm Glynis Thompson and I'm one of the Churchwardens of Holy Cross. I grew up in Blaydon and feel rooted in this community and delight in so much about the North East. My career in nursing has made me a team player and I delight in being a part of several teams in our church life. I love to sing, and membership of our choir and music group is important to me. Hospitality is a key element with Holy Cross and my baking and catering skills are called upon, not least when we do 24-7 Prayer with, of course, Coffee Shop.