Richard Waller

I have been a Christian since I was 16, when someone took the time to really explain to me what it meant to follow Jesus. Since then I have tried to work out my faith in my family, my work and my church. I am married to Carole, and have three children, Bryony, Hannah and Sam. I am a senior IT manager for a large Swiss company that has a factory in Huddersfield. This means that I have had many opportunities to travel to other countries, and this is something that both Carole and I love to do.
In the church I share the preaching with other members of the Leadership team, and take responsibility for planning the teaching programme and organizing the music group.

Something you may not know: I love steam engines – and learned to drive one for my 50th birthday!

Judith Rowland

I love all the different people that worship at Oakes and the challenge to engage with all of them. I enjoy the creativity of Christianity; the inspiration to worship and to lead.

I have had dark days and life hasn’t turned out like I thought it would, but there is completeness about working with others who follow Jesus. I am employed by a trade union and I have a family.

Something you may not know: I can recite a Chinese poem I learnt over 40 years ago and also fit a carpet.

Mike Roddis

I’m the new boy at the church, having been at Oakes Baptist since the end of 2006. For the last 23 years I have been involved in a local printing company, producing ’sticky labels’ for all kinds of industry. I have a wife (Elaine), two sons, and three (soon to be four) grandchildren.

I play guitar in the church music group (busking in a corner) and share in some of the preaching and teaching. I also have the title ‘co-ordinator’ and have a deep seated hatred of forms!

A not so secret fact: I am a passionate Formula One Grand Prix fan and occasional supporter of Manchester United.

Will Mace

I have the attended the church at Oakes since 1998 and have always been impressed at its sense of reality and its courage to tackle difficult questions. Within the church I work as part of the pastoral team and am a Sunday School teacher. I trained as a musician at Hull University and subsequently as a classroom teacher, instrumental teacher and workshop leader and spend time making music in various ensembles. Other interests include travel and curry.

Something you may not know: I’m a big fan of the astronomer and broadcaster Sir Patrick Moore but have an elementary knowledge of astronomy.

David Pickering

I became a Christian on Good Friday 1985, when I realised exactly what God had done through Jesus and how his death and resurrection had relevance and meaning to me. I had the joy of being baptised on Easter Day, and have been a member at Oakes for 25 years now.

I love this church. I love the fact that we don’t need to wear masks, pretending everything is fine when we’re actually hurting. I love that it is a place where we can share sorrow as well as joy – and we certainly have experience of both! I appreciate the fact that we take seriously the Bible’s position as God’s revealed word and its relevance in giving advice for daily living in the 21st century.

Something you may not know:  I enjoy rallying and as a twentysomething held a motor sport competition licence, as I used to compete. I am a big fan of Joan Armatrading.