I have been priest-in-charge here since September 2020 and rector since May 2024, and very much enjoy playing my part in the life of the church and the community. I have an interest in ecumenical and inter-faith relations, in travelling and pilgrimage, and in early church history and literature. Before taking up this role I was assistant curate of churches in Newmarket and Exning for four years, trained for ordained ministry at Westcott House in Cambridge, spent a year in North London as a pastoral assistant and read Classics at Cambridge University. Although most of my adult life has been spent around East Anglia, I grew up in Cheltenham, where my parents still live. I am married to Charlotte, who teaches in Cambridge, and we have two daughters, Cynthia and Delia, and three cats.

I am an associate priest and my ministry is a volunteer ministry at St Mary’s. I am interested in God's created world including environmental issues and animals. I believe in a diverse Church welcoming everyone. I look forward to getting to know you all and serving God in this community. Favourite Bible passage: Romans 10.14-15.

I am a reader in the diocese, and lead the healing ministry at St Mary's. I also volunteer with Open Mind and Town Pastors in Haverhill, and act as chaplain to the local police force.

I was licensed as a Reader to the benefice of Haverhill with Withersfield in May 2022. I serve as the Evangelism Co-ordinator for the Diocese of Chelmsford, and am a commissioned Spiritual Companion (sometimes called a 'spiritual director') in that diocese. I am also a Licensed Lay Minister in Chelmsford, which allows me to serve in my specialism of adult education. Being a Reader will allow me to serve in this benefice and also to teach on faith matters in Suffolk. Before becoming a Christian and a minister, I did a Humanities degree at (what is now) the London Metropolitan University. After encountering Jesus, my passion grew for environmental matters, and I did a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies at UEA, and have tried to live more gently on the Earth. Before moving to North Essex, I ran a homeless persons department in a busy Central London borough. My interests are scriptural study and biblical archaeology, and football. My passion is for life-long learning. My heart is for evangelism: preaching and teaching the words of new life in the resurrected Christ in a safe and welcoming environment for all.

I trained for reader ministry in the diocese of Ely, and have fulfilled that role in the dioceses of Ely, Chelmsford and now St Edmundsbury and Ipswich. I also look after the congregation who meet at Shearman Court on a monthly basis.

Diana is licensed as a Children and Families Minister in the diocese and leads the Messy Church congregation, amongst other things. She also acts as secretary to Haverhill PCC.

My name is Elizabeth, but more commonly known as Lizzie. I am married to Dave and we have four children. I am studying Early Childhood Studies at University Studies of West Suffolk College. At church I am a licensed Children and Families Minister and support our work with young people. I am passionate about Safeguarding and I am determined to ensure that it is of a premium. Please do come and say hello, I would love to meet you!

My name is Jane Eccleston and I am the Parish Safeguarding Officer, I am also on the Parochial Church Council and help at services as a Eucharistic Minister, reading and leading prayers. I also assist with some of the Church children’s events, such as Holiday Club and Experience Easter. With my family, I have worshipped at St Mary’s Church for most of my life and grew up in the Haverhill area then returning to live here over thirty years ago. I enjoy gardening and flower arranging both at home and church and am responsible for coordinating the dedicated team of flower arrangers at church. I have now retired from teaching and my other hobbies include bird watching, crochet and reading.

I'm Karen Williams, proudly serving as your dedicated Church Warden at St Mary's Parish Church in the heart of Withersfield. You can often find me bustling around, ensuring our church community thrives and flourishes. As an active member of the Parish Church Council, I'm committed to maintaining the warmth and spiritual growth that our church brings to Withersfield. One of my key responsibilities involves organising the flower cleaning rota, where our beautiful blooms reflect the love and care we all share for this sacred space. For the past two decades, I've called Haverhill my home, immersing myself in the local community. When I'm not busy with church affairs, you'll often find me tending to my beloved garden, nurturing the vibrant colours that remind me of the beauty in life. Another passion close to my heart is reading; exploring the pages of literature allows me to escape and delve into different worlds.

Richard Hart was appointed Director of Music at Haverhill with Withersfield in December 2008 and in that time has introduced a new Music Strategy and Music Policy. Before coming to St Mary’s Richard was for ten years Director of Music at St Faith’s in King’s Lynn and also taught and helped with the music in two schools. He started his musical career back in Haverhill and was introduced to the organ by one of his predecessors Owen Head and played for his first service when he was fourteen at the Haverhill Methodist Church. He also played in many local churches and chapels with visiting local preachers and lay readers. When the new Methodist church opened Richard was appointed Assistant Organist and Choirmaster and for a number of years was assistant organist at The Old Independent Church Haverhill before accepting the position of Director of Music at All Saints', Newmarket. He was for ten years Music Director for the Stourhead Benefice also. In 2010 Richard achieved upper honours in Sacred Music through Bangor University in conjunction with the Royal School of Church Music and has brought a new enthusiasm to the music at St Mary’s bringing together a full choir of over 20 voices and a music group. He has introduced new music to the liturgy and arranged several successful presentations of choral works and concerts.

John is the treasurer for the PCC at St Mary's, Haverhill.

My name is Steph Watson and I am Treasurer for St Mary the Virgin Church, Withersfield, I am also on the Parochial Church Council. With my family, I have lived in Withersfield since 2004. I have recently retired from the NHS where I held the role of Director of Finance in various hospitals in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. I enjoy gardening, cooking and general home improvements.