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. 

Mrs Valda Pearson

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

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.

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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. 

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Mrs Christine Cote

Parish Safeguarding Officer

I retired in April 2025 after a long and rewarding career in Adult Social Care in Lancashire. I am a member of St Mary's Church, joining the PCC in April 2025, a Scout Leader with Eccleston Scout Group, and a keen, very amateur gardener.
I love spending time with family and friends, and I'm looking forward to holidays planned with family, friends, and Eccleston Scouts this year.

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Mr Christopher Finch

Parish Safeguarding Officer

I am a very proud Welsh man, having lived in Wrexham, Wales for most of my life moving to Charnock Richard 11 years. I work at Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Wigan as a Coronary Care Nurse. I am married to Joanne, have 2 grown up children and 2 grandchildren. Outside of work my hobby is photography, especially wildlife, and I am an avid supporter of Wrexham Football Team. I look forward to being part of the team at St Mary’s.

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Mrs Rebecca McDermott

PCC Secretary

Rebecca was appointed as PCC secretary in April 2026. Outisde church she works for the East Lancashire NHS Trust as a Deputy Business Manager. She loves spending time with family and friends; particularly as Mum to E and Chester the cockapoo!

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.