Meet our team

We are blessed with a team of dedicated volunteers here in Eccleston, allow us to introduce just some of them.

Fr Jordan McDermott

Rector

Fr Jordan was inducted as Rector of St Mary the Virgin, Eccleston and Christ Church Charnock Richard on Monday 10th June 2024.

He served his title as Curate of The Parish of the Good Shepherd, Accrington after his Ordination to the Diaconate at Blackburn Cathedral in 2021. 

Mr Garry Fishwick

Churchwarden and PSO

Garry was appointed as our Church Warden in  2019; he has served on the PCC for a number of years and has been Chair of the Governors at St Marys CEPS. He was a police officer before retirement.

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Mr Keith Orrell

Director of Music

Keith is a versatile and vibrant choral and orchestral conductor, music leader, pianist and organist, composer and arranger, based in the north-west of England.

Keith, who has a prestigious musical career, alongside his work with us, is Musical Director of both the William Byrd Singers and the Liverpool Welsh Choral. The choir here is very blessed to be under his stewardship.

In the past, he was Chorus Master of the Hallé Choir in Manchester for seven years. He has acted as a guest Chorus Master for other symphony orchestras in the UK, including the BBC Symphony Chorus. 

Mrs Andrea Cheetham

Baptism and Wedding  co-ordinator

When I am not working full time as a teacher or spending time with my family and friends, my hobbies include: running or walking with my dog Billy, cinema/theatre/concerts and following Liverpool Football Club.

Mrs Linda Thornton

Funeral co-ordinator

Having retired after helping my husband with his business;  my favourite hobbies are reading and gardening.  I have been in the Mothers Union for many years and was treasurer for about 30 years until this year when someone has kindly offered to take on the job so I’m retiring from that too!  I am also a member of U3a, the W.I. and the National Women’s Register.

Mrs Valda Pearson

Assistant Churchwarden

I have lived in Eccleston for 28 years. Following my retirement from being a headteacher I worked, and continue to do so, for the Tribunal Service. I was secretary to the PCC for 15 years. In my spare time I cycle, read, support Everton and look after grandchildren.
I look forward to being part of the team at St Mary’s.

Mr Mike Cote

Assistant Churchwarden

I have been a member of St Mary’s Church since 2014 and on the PCC since 2017. Most people know me as 'American Mike', and I can often be seen pushing a mower in the churchyard, along with our other volunteers.

Miss Polly Baybutt

PCC Secretary

I am a Secondary English Teacher who enjoys reading, swimming, taking walks with my dog Albie and supporting Blackburn Rovers Football Club. I have recently taken up the role as PCC Secretary and look forward to serving in this new role.