Ministry Team

Rev. Canon Dr. Robert Buckley

Team Rector of the United Benefice of Atherton and Hindsford with Howe Bridge.
Pastoral minister for St. Michaels.
Formerly the Team Rector of Wembley (London Diocese), Robert is Lancashire born & bred. A former physics teacher and headmaster of a Church Secondary School. His interests include the interface between science and religion (He is a member of the Society of Ordained Scientists) and 60's music especially the Seekers.

Rev. Reg Sinclair

Team Vicar in the United Benefice of Atherton, Hindsford and Howe Bridge and Principal Minister at St. Philip's Church. His background is in engineering and project management. He leads the Benefice's very active link with a parish in Namibia, having been privileged to visit on 3 occasions. Reg enjoys walking (particularly in the Lake District) and sport (mainly watching these days!).

Rev. Gareth Thomas

Team curate in the United Benefice of Atherton, Hindsford and Howe Bridge who started working with the team in June 2010. He works in all 4 churches in the benefice. Prior to being ordained Gareth worked as a nurse for 15 years, most of this time being spent at Stepping Hill hospital in Stockport, mainly in emergency medicine and A & E. The last 3 years of his career as a nurse, were spent working as a Chemotherapy nurse at the Christie hospital in Manchester.  Gareth’s interests include reading, spending time with his wonderful wife and children, and playing on his Xbox 360.

Mr. Geoff Swift

Lay reader in the United Benefice of Atherton, Hindsford & Howe Bridge. Retired primary school head teacher, (St. John’s Mosely Common). Responsible for the co-ordination of lay ministry throughout the benefice. Assists with services, reads lessons, leads prayers of intercession and preaches. Geoff visits the sick and elderly, often with Holy Communion and is also licensed to take funerals. Interests are cricket and football through Atherton Cricket club, Lancashire County Cricket Club and Bolton Wanderers. Member of R.S.P.B and National Trust. Also interested in gardening, photography, travel and singing.