Meet the Rector and our Leadership Team

We are really fortunate in the Benefice, to have a committed and gifted team of people who fulfil a wide range of roles. Everything from looking after our buildings, teaching God’s word and caring for the needs of three congregations.

Phil and Ruth

Phil Selby

Rector

Phil is passionate about sharing the good news of Jesus. He worked for 6 years as a Primary School teacher in Derby before becoming a full-time church minister. He trained at Oak Hill, served his Curacy at Trinity Church, Buxton and began as Rector in the Benefice in June 2019. He is married to Ruth and they have 3 children. He enjoys spending time with the family, keeping fit, music, following a certain local football team, and walking the dog!

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James Lee

Curate

James started as curate in the Benefice in summer 2021, having completed his training at Oak Hill College in north London. Before that, he spent 5 years working for ‘Christians in Parliament’ in Westminster. He became a Christian as a teenager. He is married to Bethan and they have 4 boys, which means there is never a dull moment in their house! He enjoys spending time with the family, playing football, squash and table tennis, board games and reading.

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Ralph Homer

Reader

Ralph is married to Sylvia and has a son, a daughter and 3 granddaughters. He knew Jesus to be his personal saviour almost 40 years ago, and became a Reader in 1995. He was also a Church warden at St Michael’s for 24 years. He enjoys gardening, painting, family history and spending time with his family. Strangely to some, he even enjoys supporting Derby County!

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Rachel Hobbs

Reader

Rachel spent all her working life in nursing, and she and her husband John moved to Risley in 1999. A committed Christian since her early 20’s, Rachel was licensed as a Reader in 2007. She loves gardening, and if she is not busy in her own, she might well be found gardening as a volunteer at Treetops Hospice in Risley.

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Garry Sherwood

Reader and Stanton by Dale Warden

I have lived in Stanton by Dale for 10 years and I was licensed at Derby Cathedral on 29th April 2023. I was previously Church Warden for Stanton by Dale and this year I take up the role again together with the role of Licensed Lay Reader. I look forward to seeing you at one of our services in the Benefice.

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Dave Cousins

Dale Abbey Warden

Anne and I have lived in Dale Abbey for nearly 40 years, sharing that time with our two children and varied livestock. Since retiring in 2012 I have been Groundsperson at Stanton by Dale Cricket Club. I am delighted to be Warden at this fascinating historic church, enabling Christian worship to continue as it has done for centuries.

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Elaine Warren

Church Administrator

Elaine works in the church office and it is likely to be her voice you hear if you phone the church! She is married to Glynn, and has a son. She became a Christian in 1999, and has also served as churchwarden for 3 years. She has worked in the textile industry, and at the Gateway Christian Nursery School. She enjoys socialising and keep fit but misses the sea more than she cares to admit!

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Ian Clayton

Risley Warden

Ian is married to Alex – they were married at Risley church in 2015. He regularly attends Risley church and the home group. Prior to becoming a church warden in 2022 Ian has been the church treasurer and an assistant church warden at Risley. Ian worked in the motor trade, in car sales for 14 years and now works in the Paint industry. In his spare time, he enjoys gardening, cooking, music, reading and of course classic cars!

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Roger Jones

Risley Warden

Roger was born in Harrogate in Yorkshire but moved to live in Risley in 1955 the age of 9. He started to attend All Saints Church almost immediately where he sang as a treble in the choir. Roger trained as a dental surgeon and has worked in various places around the country. He returned to Derbyshire in 1989 and some years later he began to worship again at All Saints. He became a warden in 2016.

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Nick and Ali Jackson

Navigators Ambassadors

Nick and Ali serve in SDR Churches and partner with Navigators to get alongside and disciple individuals and small groups from both outside and within the church.

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Jono Sherwood

Stanton by Dale Warden

Jono is married to Becky and they have 3 children who enjoy being a part of the Benefice. Jono joined the Benefice back in 2020 and is passionate about serving Jesus in the local church. He became a church warden in 2022 and would love to see you at one of our services.