. . . James has always sought to keep a local emphasis on life. Whether that be in pastorates in Berkhamsted and Heywood, university chaplaincy and offering debt and benefit advice in Southampton, or indeed as a development worker in New Delhi, James has lived with that Northumbrian Community question, “How then shall we live?”. For James that living has to take place in the context of his immediate locality and so now dwelling with his wife Ruth (also a retired Baptist minister, but a newly licenced lay minister in the Church of England!) in the Peak District, their local church happens to be an Anglican church and having been asked by their Pioneer Priest to lead on Sundays they have done what is required and are now serving the local community in this capacity.

James has two adult children and four grandchildren, loves hiking and has undertaken a number of long distance walks. Post COVID he and Ruth have crested all 95 Ethels in and around the Peak District National Park and together they occasionally offer hospitality and guidance to those who wish to walk either the Peak or Hope Pilgrimage routes.

He enjoys watching sport and follows Brighton & Hove Albion (Football) and Saracens (Rugby).

Six years ago he was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, which despite two attempted curative procedures, is still present. But keeping it local, he is an active member of a Prostate Cancer Support Group that meets monthly at the Hospice 70 yards up the road.

James enjoys leading from the second chair and so is very content to be a background member of the collective offering practical and administrative support.