People — St Matthew's & The Minster

After a psychology degree at Durham and theology degree in Cambridge, Richard served two curacies in London. He was Vicar of Burford for 20 years before being appointed Rector of Cheltenham. Richard is passionate about teaching the Bible so that the church loves Jesus more, flourishes and grows. Richard is married to Nicola and they have four children who have left home. Richard enjoys reading, theatre, films, music and all country pursuits.

Richard Coombs

Rector

James loves Cheltenham, having grown up living in and visiting the town for various festivals. Having come to faith in Jesus as a student in Belfast, he knows the freedom of Christ, and he'd love to see others walking in freedom. He's enthusiastic to help people love their neighbours, so that they might know the love of God. He loves walking through the crowds in Cheltenham and then retreating to the Minster. He's married to Zoe and has two young daughters.

James Wragg-Smith

Minster Missioner

Jennifer is originally from Glasgow but moved "down south" over 10 years ago and has worked in various ministry roles. Jennifer is passionate about seeing the gospel communicated clearly and creatively to the next generation and is splitting her curacy between here and Coopers Edge, Gloucester which she leads alongside with her husband. Jennifer enjoys cooking and a competitive games night.

Curate

Jennifer Fellows

Rowan grew up and studied in Sydney, Australia. After training for ministry he worked in various ministry roles in the UK and Sydney over the last 13 years. His focus in the team is adult discipleship, pastoral care and evangelism. He is married to Naomi, and they have four children. In his spare time Rowan relaxes by reading, running or a real ale.

Rowan Paterson

Associate Minister

Ruth Watson

Children's & Families Minister (Maternity Cover)

With a background in customer relations, marketing and office management, Rachel joined the team in 2020. She is married to James with three children. In her spare time, she enjoys keeping fit, baking and making things.

Emma SKERRATT

Children's & Families Outreach Minister (Maternity Cover)

Eilidh has been involved in youth ministry for many years in both employed and voluntary roles and loves to open the Bible with young people. Originally from Glasgow where she studied a degree in music, she is also passionate about sharing the gospel creatively through word and song, and equipping others to do the same. Eilidh enjoys running, reading, outdoor exploring, and coffee.

Youth Minister

Eilidh Best

Gill volunteers as PA for Richard.

Gill Sage

PA to the Rector

Rachel Hargreave

Operations Manager

After finishing her degree in journalism, Abbie has joined St Matt’s to manage the publicity and prepare for Sunday services along with general admin. In her spare time she enjoys gymnastics, movie nights, theatre and drawing.

Administrator

Abbie Wilson

Sarah has worked at
St Matthew’s since 2012 part time doing practical work, involving setting up for services and other activities. She also helps Jenny with the upkeep of both church buildings. When not working Sarah enjoys reading and walking
her dog, Alfie.

Sarah brown

Practical Facilitator

meet the team