Rev’d Mark Elvin
Minister
Prior to coming to Bowthorpe Mark has worked in several ecumenical partnerships. He was ordained as a United Reformed Church minister in 1996. He began his working life as a chef in central London before becoming a youth and schools worker in East London. He is married to Mandy and has two teenage children. He enjoys walking his dog, Shadow, and can often be seen around the community with his dog. He is a keen sports fan, supporting West Ham United. He says that supporting West Ham teaches you about coping with disappointment in life! He also loves music of all kinds, especially rock n’ roll, and loves to dance, sing and play the guitar. He loves meeting people and hearing their story.
Dr. Michael Acaster
Lay Leader, Preaching Team
Outside church Michael has worked in several universities in the UK and the USA and for British Sugar and the Cabinet Office but is now retired. An armchair follower of football as an ex-NCFC season ticket holder and Magpies fan. He enjoys travelling to new places as well as visiting family and friends around the country.
Mr David Blake
Lay Leader, Church Warden, Worship Leader.
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Mrs. Christine McGrath
Treasurer
I retired back to Norwich at end of 2006, after living 42 years away from this beautiful city. My work for many years had been in finance, accounts and wages – so I’m pleased to keep my brain ticking over with Bowthorpe Church accounts! I have a wonderful family, husband Bob, son, daughter-in-law plus two granddaughters – who now look down on me! I support our church where I can, I help with our successful Tots group. I love playing music and I am able to play the hymns for our Care home services at the Mayflower court. I play also a bass clarinet, and I am a member of Norwich City Concert band. Bob and I enjoy walking, exploring wonderful Norfolk and doing some bird watching.
Mrs. Janet Acaster
Children and Youth Leader
My main role is to coordinate the children’s work on a Sunday morning and lead the junior group. I have been involved in various events for children and youth over the years. I love working with children of all ages having worked in a pre-school and for many years as a high school science teacher. I am also a foundation governor at St Michael’s V.A. Middle School and Clover Hill V.A. Infant and Nursery School.
Mrs. Janet Craske
Tots Coordinator
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Mr. Mike Gibbs
Methodist local preacher, Care home services coordinator
Mike Gibbs was commissioned as a local preacher in the Wymondham, Attleborough & Watton circuit of the Methodist Church in 1997. He served for ten years in this circuit before transferring to the Norwich circuit, where today he forms part of the Bowthorpe worship and preaching team. Mike is also coordinator of the team delivering services each month to residents of The Meadows at the Bowthorpe Care Village and guest preacher at Ipswich Road (Norwich) and Wroxham & Hoveton United Reformed Churches.
Mr. Peter Groom
Lay Preacher
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Mrs. Margaret Gibbs
Independent person for Safeguarding, Sunday school teacher
Margaret Gibbs is the Appointed Independent Person for Safeguarding Adults and Children at Risk. She has been involved extensively in this field for over 24 years working full time with both children and adults, latterly more so with the 11 to 17 year olds and the over 55 year olds. She is also a trained Counsellor and holds a Level 2 Certificate with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).